The prime minister got a glimpse of China's preparations for the summer Olympics. He also met an Meena Barot, an Indian business woman who has been chosen among the eight foreigners to carry the Olympic torch on Chinese soil in August next year.

In his first engagement, soon after a tiring overnight flight from New Delhi, he visited an exhibition at the Olympic village showcasing the facilities for the Games, to be held from August 8 to 24.

"On behalf of the government and the people, I extend my best wishes for the success of the Olympics," Singh wrote after spending about 30 minutes at the village.

"I hope that the Olympic spirit and the traditional hospitality and warmth of the great city of Beijing will promote friendship, peace and understanding among all the participants and the countries they represent," he said.

Dr Singh's visit to the Olympic village comes as India plans to bid for hosting the world's most prestigious sporting event in the future.
Image: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao pose at a dinner reception hosted by the latter on Sunday.