Mumbai: India and China have set up a hotline between their foreign ministers and agreed to liberalise visa regimes as part of initiatives to strengthen mutual ties. The two countries have also agreed on the need to build "mutual political trust".

Visiting Chinese foreign minister Li Zhaoxing, meanwhile, sought to allay Indian concerns about its recent anti-satellite missile test, saying it was only for scientific reasons and was not targeted against any country.

At the talks between external affairs minister Pranab Mukherjee and Li Zhaoxing, the two sides also stressed on the need for the special representatives to "further intensify" their dialogue for early settlement of the boundary issue on the basis of 'political parameters and guiding principles' signed in 2005.

The talks between Mukherjee and Li that covered bilateral, regional and international issues of mutual interest, lasted two-and-a-half hours.

Later, India's ambassador to China, Nirupama Rao, said the two sides have agreed that they needed to develop friendship in all spheres and build "mutual political trust".
Enhancing the two countries' strategic cooperation, launching more direct flights and strengthening trade ties are high on the agenda of talks.

A blueprint for implementation of the 10-point action plan focusing on strategic cooperation is likely to be finalised during the talks.

An agreement on enlarging the basket of items for trade through the Nathula border and encouraging people-to-people contact by easing visa restrictions and establishing a hot line between the two foreign ministers may figure prominently in the talks. The proposed regional trade agreement is also on the agenda of talks.

Li will call on prime minister Manmohan Singh to exchange views on issues of bilateral and regional interest. The two countries will also launch the India-China friendship tourism year.
The foreign ministers of India, China and Russia are scheduled to hold their first structured meeting to give thrust to the trilateral forum agenda.

They will discuss various global issues and the need to take steps to evolve a consensus to widen the sphere of cooperation between the three countries as well as at the international level.
The foreign ministers of the three countries have met thrice so far.

Terrorism, drug trafficking and tackling international crime continue to be the main focus of these meetings.