India, China come to the ’round table’ again

A number of activities planned during Prime Minister Manmohan Singh’s visit to China in January are expected to be discussed at the meeting. Menon may also meet Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi, sources said.

Menon’s visit also coincides with the successful and smooth Beijing Olympic torch relay in India, over which China had concerns after it was marred by protests from Tibetans and human rights activists in London, Paris and San Francisco.

The Foreign Ministry has already appreciated the “great efforts” by the Indian government for the torch’s smooth run. Menon arrived here yesterday to attend a meeting of G-8 “outreach countries” to discuss their approach at the upcoming annual summit of the grouping in Japan in July.