Beijing, Sep 9 (IANS): Chinese President Xi Jinping's visit to India and other South Asian countries will push forward bilateral relations, a senior diplomat said Tuesday.

Invited by Maldives President Abdulla Yameen, Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa and Indian President Pranab Mukherjee, Xi will pay state visits to the Maldives, Sri Lanka and India later this month.

Xi's visit to the three countries will have significant and profound effects, Assistant Foreign Minister Liu Jianchao said at a press conference, according to Xinhua.

During his India tour, Xi will meet Mukherjee, hold talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi and meet other Indian leaders. Xi will give a speech in New Delhi on China-India relations and China's South Asia policy and make extensive contacts with Indian people from all walks of life.

Xi's visit to the Maldives, Sri Lanka and India will push forward the construction of the Silk Road Economic Belt and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road, said Liu.

The president's South Asia tour will also set up a framework for China-South Asia cooperation in the future and promote common development and prosperity, he said.