Chinese premier seeks ties with India

Mr Zhu is expected to pressure India and Pakistan

By the BBC's Jill McGivering in Delhi

Chinese Premier Zhu Rongji has arrived in India for a six-day visit which is expected to consolidate growing ties between the two countries.

The relationship between the two nations has often been problematic, partly because of an on-going border dispute and China's traditional allegiance with Pakistan.

There is a tense standoff between India and Pakistan

India's often difficult relationship with China has markedly improved in the last two years - and Premier Zhu's trip is the latest sign of that progress.

But Mr Zhu's visit also comes at a time of heightened tensions between India and Pakistan - and he is expected to add to international pressure on the two leaders to move towards a negotiated end to the current standoff.

Traditional alliances

The tensions between India and Pakistan have added a new challenge.

So far China, a traditional ally of Pakistan, has been cautiously diplomatic, calling on both sides to resolve their differences peacefully.

China has publicly condemned the attack on India's parliament last month - and on the eve of his visit, Mr Zhu reportedly described terrorism as the common enemy.

Indian officials are playing down the importance of international pressure on Pakistan as they call for concrete actions from President Musharraf to match his public rhetoric.

Economic gain

But China's influence with Islamabad could help. Mr Zhu is also expected to endorse the slow progress now being made in the long running border dispute between the two countries.

The prospect of economic gain has been a strong motivating factor in solving their differences.

China is eyeing India's growing consumer markets, keen to increase trade. India sees its own expertise in IT as a potential area for partnership.

But stability in the region must be a key part of these plans - and the most pressing step now is to make sure tensions between India and Pakistan do not escalate any further.