The leaders of India and China called yesterday for a stronger partnership between their countries as they publicly downplayed the lingering economic and political tensions between Asia’s rising powers.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao’s three-day trip to India was aimed at building trust and strengthening economic links. It also appeared part of a Chinese effort to blunt US. influence in India.

“I hope that my visit will help increase our cooperation in a wide range of fields and raise our friendship and cooperation to an even higher level,” he told reporters yesterday morning after a ceremonial welcome at the presidential palace.

Wen later met with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, and the two leaders witnessed the signing of agreements on banking ties, sharing green technology and media exchanges.

“A strong partnership between India and China will contribute to long-term peace, stability, prosperity and development in Asia and the world,” Singh said.

However, the relationship between the countries has been marred by friction.

The two leaders had been slated to discuss how to tackle a trade imbalance heavily weighted in China’s favor and ongoing border disputes — which sparked a brief war in 1962.

They were also expected to address China’s refusal to stamp visas in passports of residents of Indian-held Kashmir, a move seen as questioning New Delhi’s sovereignty over the restive region also claimed by Pakistan.

China’s state-run Global Times newspaper dismissed concerns of tensions between the world’s two most populous countries.

“Compared to promoting prosperity, the border disputes are not the most urgent item on either country’s agenda,” the newspaper said. “Both countries endeavor to build a strong economy, whereas neither thinks about hegemony in Asia. Both are seeking further modernisation and first-class civil livelihood.”

Wen stressed the growing financial and cultural ties between the nations by visiting an Indian school Wednesday to discuss the Chinese language and calligraphy and addressing a gathering of business leaders. Wen brought 300 Chinese business officials with him on his trip, and Indian and Chinese companies are signing $16 billion worth of deals during his visit.

India has also worked to play down tensions, pointing out that China is India’s largest trading partner and emphasizing that high-level visits between the countries are increasing.

The two countries have also been competing over resources and global markets.

China, seeking influence around Asia, has irked India by expanding ties with Indian neighbours, including Sri Lanka, Nepal and archrival Pakistan. Wen is to head to Pakistan today.

China, for its part, resents the presence in India of the self-declared Tibetan government-in-exile and the Dalai Lama. Tibetan activists protested Wen’s visit Wednesday.

Despite their disputes, India and China have worked together internationally on climate change issues and for a greater say in global finance.