Chinese President Xi Jinping on Monday said that Sino-Indian ties had achieved a turnaround, having entered a “new stage” of partnership following his visit to India in September last.
“Since my visit to India, the relations between our two countries have entered a new phase. The positive side of China-India relations has been growing,” President Xi said, after he received visiting External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in the Great Hall of the People.
“Solid steps are being taken to implement agreements between Prime Minister (Narendra) Modi and me,” he said. Mr. Xi added, “I have full confidence on the future of China and India relations. I believe the good process will be achieved in the growth of bilateral relations.”
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Sino-Indian ties were advancing with a steady “momentum”, the President observed.
Mr. Xi recalled his visit to Mr. Modi’s hometown during his visit, signaling his warm personal ties with the Indian Prime Minister. “Last September I visited India. I still cherish the fresh memories in my mind about the gracious hospitality extended to me by the government and people and particularly I cherish the fond memories of my trip to Prime Minister Modi's home town in Gujarat State.”
Mr. Xi stressed the special gesture shown by Mr. Modi for personally accompanying him during the visit to Ahmedabad. “Please convey my best regards and cordial greetings to President (Pranab) Mukherjee and Prime Minister Modi.”
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On her part, Ms. Swaraj conveyed to Mr. Xi, Mr. Modi’s warm wishes, on the occasion of the upcoming Lunar Year of the Sheep, the Chinese New Year.
She said the Year of the Sheep signaled creativity and innovation, reinforcing President Xi’s stress on creativity and innovation during his India visit last year. Ms. Swaraj was confident that the two countries would be able to devise new ways during the Chinese New Year to further improve the relationship.