On the boundary issue, although a solution is a long way off, there is justifiable optimism, particularly because peace and tranquility prevail on the India-China border. The 14th round of boundary negotiations between India's National Security Adviser Shiv Shankar Menon and China's State Councilor Dai Bingguo were held in Beijing in the end of November. After the talks, Menon said the two countries have made "steady progress," with both sides committed to a "fair, reasonable and mutually acceptable solution" to the dispute.

Wen's meeting with Singh this week is their 11th. The two reportedly enjoy a good personal rapport and are focused on the economic potential of the India-China partnership. India and China have worked together in various international forums on climate change and trade negotiations.

Trade between India and China is booming and on course to meet the target of $60 billion this year. When Wen last visited India in 2005, bilateral trade was under $20 billion.

China is India's biggest trading partner. India wants trade to have a more healthy balance and, according to Indian media reports, Wen has acknowledged the concern and agreed to address the imbalance.

The fact that Wen will be accompanied by the largest-ever trade delegation on this visit is seen as a sign of his earnestness to keep the focus on economic relations and give a healthy boost to bilateral trade.

Government sources are confident that despite the differences, India-China relationship will move forward. Frequent exchanges and high-level visits underscore the desire on both sides to maintain contact and deepen the bilateral engagement.

Meetings between Wen and Singh, whether in India, China or on the sidelines of international gatherings, have always lent new impetus to bilateral ties and attracted global attention.

The meeting this week, whatever the outcome, will be no different.

The author is a former editor with Global Times in Beijing and a Delhi-based journalist. forum@globaltimes.com.cn