Her Excellency Pratibha Patil

President of the Republic of India

New Delhi

On the occasion of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the People's Republic of China and the Republic of India, I wish to extend, on behalf of the Chinese people, warm congratulations and best wishes to you, and through you to your government and people.

China and India are close neighbors. The friendly exchanges between our two peoples date back to ancient times. Over the past 60 years since we established diplomatic relations, our bilateral ties have grown steadily thanks to joint efforts of both sides. In the new century, we have forged a strategic and cooperative partnership for peace and prosperity and formulated a ten-pronged strategy to deepen bilateral ties. Our political, economic, trade, cultural and people-to-people exchanges and cooperation have grown across the board and borne fruits. We have coordinated and worked with each other closely in international and regional affairs.

As two major emerging developing countries, China and India face common tasks and challenges, have extensive shared interests and shoulder important responsibilities. The good-neighborly friendship and cooperation between China and India and their common development not only benefit our two peoples but also serve peace and development of Asia and the entire world. The Chinese side deems its relationship with India one of its most important bilateral relationships. To develop a long-term and stable strategic and cooperative partnership with India is the set principle and policy of the Chinese government. We are ready to deepen friendship, enhance mutual trust, and broaden cooperation with India to tackle various global challenges, uphold the interests of developing countries and promote sustained, steady and in-depth growth of our strategic and cooperative partnership.

May the Republic of India enjoy prosperity and its people happiness.

May the friendship between the Chinese and Indian peoples grow with the times and be passed down from generation to generation.

Hu Jintao

President of

The People's Republic of China

Beijing, 1 April 2010