NEW DELHI, Jan 15: India and China have an important role to play in building peace, security and stability in the region, Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said in Beijing on Tuesday.

Referring to the situation in Pakistan, although he did not name the country, he said: “Perhaps the greatest danger to our development comes from extremism of all types, whether in the garb of religion or on the pretext of righting historical wrongs. Recent developments in our neighbourhood have brought home to us again the imperative need to collectively fight terrorism and extremism in all its forms.”

In his address to the official think-thank, the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Dr Singh gave reasons for India and China to be ready to shoulder their responsibilities to the region. “As large and diverse societies, we are well placed to demonstrate the benefits of moderation and peaceful co-existence. The rise of non-state actors, often based on intolerance, and narrow conceptions of identity, is a threat to all civilised nations,” he said.

The talks between the Indian prime minister and Chinese leaders, including Premier Wen Jiabao, focussed also on the growing incidence of suicide bombings as a factor in the overall picture of terrorism in the region.

The Indian leader’s maiden visit to Beijing has been described in the media here in glowing terms.

Dr Singh praised China’s story of growth and development. “The rise of China is among the most important developments of our times. As China’s largest neighbour, and a friend, we cannot remain untouched by this momentous process.

“When countries of the size of China and India, together accounting for 2.5 billion people begin to unshackle their creative energies, it impacts on the whole world. The world knows it and is watching with interest.”

Dr Singh said the establishment of peaceful and cooperative relationships in the neighbourhood was an intrinsic element of India’s foreign policy.

“We realise that our destinies are linked by geography and history. Both India and China seek tranquillity and stability in our immediate neighbourhood and extended region. The boundary between us is peaceful. We have also agreed to set up a mechanism to look at trans-boundary rivers, and will make a success of its work.”