Indo-china relations are at best presently: Chinese Ambassador

Chinese Ambassador to India Luo Zhaohui on Friday asserted that Indo-China relations are the best at present.

The Chinese ambassador made these remarks while delivering the keynote address at the China-India Youth Dialogue 2018 jointly organised by the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in India and Confederation of Young Leaders (CYL) at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in India.

Outlining the bonhomie between the people of the two countries, Zhaohui said, "In contemporary China people admire Indians. They think every Indian is either a singer, or a dancer, or an IT expert, or Maths genius. Three things are most fashionable among Chinese youth in urban areas, namely, watching Bollywood movies, practicing Yoga and tasting Darjeeling tea".

He also drew comparisons between India's Act East policy and China's One Belt One Road (OBOR) project.

"Right now connectivity, free trade has become a policy of every country. China and India share the same policies on connectivities and free trade. Concrete cooperation is also important. Act East and One Belt One Road (OBOR) are natural to each other. I am optimistic" he said.

Zhaohui further stressed that youth were the pioneers and driving force to enhance cultural exchanges between China and India, and the future of China-India relations also lies in the hands of youth.

"China and India's relations have entered the fast track of development since our two leaders held Wuhan Informal Summit in April this year. The sound bilateral relations and friendly cooperation have provided a solid basis and opportunities for youth exchanges between our two countries," he said.

He also outlined the need to encourage more Indian students to study in China and vice versa.

Following Chinese ambassador's remarks, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also sent a congratulatory message and said, "The dialogue will provide a platform for the youth of both nations to build a 'Great Wall of Trust and Cooperation' between the two countries."

This Youth Dialogue was organised to offer a platform for young people to exchange ideas, learn from each other, enhance mutual understanding and friendship. Later this year, a 200-Chinese-youth delegation will also visit India. All these are warm-up steps to the first meeting of China-India High-level People-to-People and Cultural Exchange Mechanism.