India seeks to engage with China in spirit of equality: Prez Mukherjee

President Pranab Mukherjee has said that India seeks to engage with China in a spirit of equality and friendship. Speaking at a function in Beijing last evening, Mr Mukherjee said that India is focused on peace, prosperity and sustainable development. 

He said New Delhi seeks to develop people to people contact at various levels to enhance mutual understanding and enrich bilateral relations. 

Stating that friendship between India and china is a defining partnership of 21st



century, Mr. Mukherjee said academics and culture will continue to be a foundational component of the relationship. 

He said though governments have a primary role in promoting ties between the two nations, efforts of civil society academia, think tanks, cultural icons and artists are equally important. 

Earlier, speaking on the occasion, the Chinese Vice President, Mr. Li Yuan Chao said his country perceives a good business opportunity in a fast developing India.