India, China Hold First Strategic Dialogue

India and China have held their first strategic dialogue in New Delhi on major global and regional issues, including international terrorism, non-proliferation and energy security.

An Indian Foreign Ministry spokesman (Navtej Sarna) said there was a broad convergence of views on all issues during talks between Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Wu Dawei and Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran.

The spokesman said the two sides also discussed preparations for an upcoming visit by Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabo to India later this year. The visit is expected to mark a new phase in bilateral relations.

The two days of talks are taking place against a backdrop of the two countries' efforts to settle a long-running border dispute between them.