LDALL PRESIDENT 2

Patil said that her programme in China was geared to
increase trust, friendship and understanding between the two
neighbours. "I believe I have accomplished these goals."
The commitment of the Chinese leadership to strengthen
ties with India "was evident in all my meetings", the
President said, adding, "I focused attention on India's
aspirations for a permanent seat in a reformed UN Security
Council (UNSC)."
Hu and Wen were understanding and supportive of India's
desire, she said, adding that the Chinese President had
expressed his country's support for India's candidature for a
non-permanent seat in UNSC for 2011-2012.
Referring to another key issue of trade imbalance, Patil
said, "after my discussions in Beijing I am confident that we
can further increase and diversify our economic interaction
with China in a balanced manner."
Three private sector business MoUs signed in Shanghai
before she took off for Delhi as well as the three pacts in
aviation and sports sector inked between the two governments
when she was in Beijing were cited by the President as part of
the success of her visit.
Her discussions also focused on ways to meet the
bilateral trade target of USD 60 billion before the end of
this year. The trends in the first quarter indicate that this
was achievable.
Asked whether there was a possibility of defence
cooperation, the President pointed out that there was already
a programme of military exchanges.
Responding to a question on the construction of a dam on
Bhramputra river on the Chinese side, Patil said that China
had given India hydro data which was useful in flood forecast
and water management. (MORE) PTI