India and China on Monday held their first-ever  'strategic dialogue' in New Delhi on major global and regional issues, including international terrorism, non-proliferation and energy security.

The reforms in the United Nations, developments in Iraq and issues relating to Afghanistan, Iran and North Korea are also expected to come up during the parleys.

Foreign Secretary Shyam Saran led the Indian side, while the Chinese delegation was headed by Vice-Foreign Minister for Asian Affairs Wu Dawei.

The aim of the dialogue is to broaden the scope of the blooming bilateral relationship, allowing both sides to exchange notes on global and regional security issues, official sources said.

Wu is likely to call on Prime Minister Manmohan Singh [Images] and External Affairs Minister K Natwar Singh.

The need for such a dialogue was emphasised during the PM's meeting with his Chinese counterpart Wen Jiabao on the sidelines of the India-Association of South East Asian Nations Summit in Laos in November last year.

The talks will also prepare grounds for Wen's visit, which is expected to take place in March.