New Delhi, May 29
Three days after the BJP-led NDA government assumed office, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang dialled Prime Minister Narendra Modi to congratulate him while US Secretary of State John Kerry had a telephonic conversation with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

This was the first telephonic conversation Modi had with any foreign head of government since assuming office on Monday. The call was at the Chinese leader’s initiative. For Swaraj too, it was the first call she received from a foreign dignitary after she was allocated the coveted portfolio.

Premier Li congratulated Modi on his victory in the elections and conveyed Beijing’s desire to establish robust partnership with New Delhi.

Thanking Li, Modi noted that China had always been a priority in India’s foreign policy and underlined his government’s resolve to utilise full potential of the strategic and cooperative partnership between the two countries.

According to the External Affairs Ministry, Modi expressed his keenness to work closely with the Chinese leadership to deal with any outstanding issues in bilateral ties. He also welcomed greater economic engagement between the two countries. The two leaders agreed to maintain frequent high-level exchanges and communication.

Prime Minister Modi extended through Premier Li an invitation to Chinese President Xi Jinping to visit India later this year. The Chinese President, who supports strong trade and commercial ties between the two countries, has expressed his keenness to visit India and meet representatives of the government.

In his conversation with Sushma, the US Secretary of State said Washington looked forward to re-energise ties with India. The Indian minister told him that India attached importance on the strategic partnership between the two countries. They discussed the prospects of enhancing bilateral trade and hoped it could be raised from $ 100 billion to $ 500 billion.

Sushma also briefed Kerry about the meetings that the Indian Prime Minister had with Pakistan Premier Nawaz Sharif and other SAARC leaders who were here for the swearing-in ceremony of the new government.