Date:29/05/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/05/29/stories/2006052911050100.htm

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India for strong ties with China: Pranab

Defence Minister will hold official-level talks on Monday

Pranab Mukherjee will call on Wen Jiabao on Tuesday
He will visit Beijing Aero Space Command and Control Centre

Support to be sought for India-U.S. nuclear deal

Beijing: Defence Minister Pranab Mukherjee on Sunday said he hoped to have a "very useful" meeting with the Chinese leadership to further consolidate India's strategic relationship with the Communist giant. "I am expecting a very useful meeting with the leadership of China in the context of our growing relations and strategic partnership for peace and stability," he told PTI on arrival here from Japan on the second leg of his three-nation tour.

"I do hope that this visit will also help to achieve that objective," Mr. Mukherjee said. He was given a warm welcome at the Beijing International Airport by the Indian Ambassador to China, Nalin Surie and senior officials from the Chinese People's Liberation Army.— PTI