• Civil Nuclear Cooperation: China is willing to take forward the intent shown by Wen at Singapore when he met Singh on the margins of the East Asia Summit last November. India, sources said, is looking to draw a more firm commitment on civilian nuclear cooperation during the visit. This, of course, can only materialise once the exemption from Nuclear Suppliers Group is obtained and IAEA safeguards agreement is ready. What is encouraging, however, is that China has not brought up its idea of criteria-based approach, which it had mooted in the NSG, during talks with India so far. This has raised hopes in the Indian camp on a positive change in Chinese attitude towards the nuclear deal and, therefore, in the NSG.

• Aviation: In a major shift from its position, India has agreed to let China’s Great Wall Airline, a cargo carrier, to fly to Mumbai and Chennai. As a result, China is now expected to give its consent to Jet Airways to become among the few international carriers to get transit rights from China. Jet proposes to fly to San Francisco via Shanghai from Mumbai. Beijing was holding back clearance after New Delhi had raised security objections to Great Wall Airlines on count of ownership issues.

• Defence Cooperation: Both sides are looking to broaden this engagement with the next Defence dialogue expected to be held at the level of the Defence secretary. India will also host the next joint exercise between the two countries.

... contd.