New Delhi (AsiaNews/Agencies) – India and China are to start their first strategic talks on Monday to bolster their bilateral ties.

China's Deputy Foreign Minister Wu Dawei arrives in New Delhi on Sunday for talks. He will be met by Indian Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran, a fluent Mandarin speaker.

During his two-day stay in New Delhi, Mr Wu will meet Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Foreign Minister Natwar Singh.

The summit is expected to provide a forum to forge greater understanding on issues including terrorism, energy security (a key issue for both), disarmament and United Nations reforms.

The Asian giants are committed to improving diplomatic ties and resolving a lingering boundary dispute—a fall out of their 1962 war—with special representatives of India and China holding several rounds of talks since June 2003.

In the last few years the two countries have downplayed their differences and tried to develop their economic ties.

Monday's talks will also prepare the ground for the upcoming visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao who is expected to travel to India in March.

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