Indian PM: Beijing´s Olympics efforts "inspiration" for India

Source: Xinhua | 01-14-2008 08:27

BEIJING, Jan. 13 (Xinhua) -- Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh said here Sunday that Beijing's preparations for the Olympics is a source of inspiration for India, which will host the 2010 Commonwealth Games.

Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh (2nd R) walks past the National Stadium of China, nicknamed the Bird''s Nest, in Beijing, capital of China, Jan. 13, 2008. Xinhua Photo)

Singh made the remarks while visiting an exhibition center near the National Stadium, nicknamed the Bird's Nest, in the north of the Chinese capital. The center showcases scale models of the Bird's Nest, "Water Cube", or the National Aquatic Center, and other Olympic venues.

Singh, wearing a blue turban and clad in a grey overcoat, was accompanied by vice mayor of Beijing Chen Gang, who has escorted many foreign heads of state, including French President Nicolas Sarkozy, to the Olympic stadiums.

The prime minister nodded in agreement when Chen said the use of the venues after the Olympics should be considered, especially in heavily populated countries such as China and India.