Chinese PM Wishes Modi, Calls India ‘Natural Partner’

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang has said that China views India as a ‘natural co-operative partner’ and it is looking forward to work with the recently formed Narendra Modi-led government.

“China and India are important neighbours to each other and the top two emerging markets in the world. China-India relations have moved beyond the bilateral scope and taken on global and strategic significance,” he added.

"By working together for peaceful, co-operative and common development, China and India will not only bring benefits to their own people, but will also contribute to peace, stability and prosperity of Asia and beyond. China stands ready to work with India to bring China-India strategic co-operative partnership for peace and prosperity to a new level."

According to Li, the two countries have formed a strategic co-operative partnership and found a way to ‘properly handle disagreements.’

"China has all along regarded India as a natural co-operative partner whose development brings opportunities to China, and has viewed China-India relations as one of its diplomatic priorities," said Li.

"Both China and India are now facing the historical mission of deepening reform, growing the economy and improving people's livelihood. We also share the goal of seeking domestic development and a peaceful external environment," he said.

Modi had made four visits to China as the chief minister of Gujarat. Most of China's $900 million investments in India have been in Gujarat.