The Embassy of the People's Republic of China in India and Confederation of Young Leaders (CYL) co-hosted the China-India Youth Dialogue 2020 on Thursday, January 9th at the Embassy of the People's Republic of China in India to kick-start the series celebratory events to mark the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India.

Chinese Ambassador to India H.E. Mr. Sun Weidong, Indian former Foreign Secretary Mr.Shashank, President of CYL Mr. Sameep Shastris and Chairman of the CYL Mr.Himadrish Suwan were present at the opening ceremony of the dialogue. In the opening cremony, it is highlighted that the Youth Dialogue offered a platform for young people from both countries to exchange ideas, learn from each other, enhance mutual understanding and friendship. It is also the first event hosted by the Chinese Embassy to celebrate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India this year.

Chinese Embassy in India and CYL co-hosted the first China-India Youth Dialogue at the Chinese Embassy in 2018. Acknowledging the significance of the founding efforts, Prime Minister of India Hon'ble Shri. Narendra Modi conveyed his congratulatory note for the dialogue stating "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." The participants of second dialogue included diplomats and youth delegates from both sides for designing a master plan to forge closer people to people ties, deepen cooperation and expand development space for overall empowerment of youth. The second China-India youth dialogue has drawn wide attention from the political and academic circles of India. Lots of congratulatory messages have been received including from Union Ministers, Parliamentarians, Niti Aayog and Vice Chancellors across India. Union Minister for Jal Shakti Hon'ble Gajendra Singh Shekhawat stresseded in his message that the Second China-India Youth Dialogue would be the first step towards larger leaps that need to be taken to strengthen our bond and foster stronger partnerships.

Chinese Ambassador H.E Mr. Sun Weidong delivered a keynote address. He stressed that as oriental civilizations, both China and India are developing countries each with over one billion population. China and India should act as the driving force for multi-polarity and economic globalization, jointly safeguard free trade and multilateralism, seize the opportunities in the new round of scientific and technological revolution, advocate exchanges between different civilizations, establish a community with a shared future for mankind, and join hands to build a better world for peace, development and prosperity. President Xi Jinping once said, "young people should become the new force promoting friendship between our two peoples." The future of China and India lies in hands of youth. Through this dialogue, youth of both countries will further enhance mutual understanding, contribute better ideas, more wisdom and strength to the development of China-India relations.

Ambassador Sun stressed that this year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and India. It is also the Year of Cultural and People-to-People Exchanges between China and India. Guided by the important consensus reached by our two leaders, China-India relations have achieved stable and sound development and tapped deeper into the potentials for bilateral cooperation. Ambassador Sun also offered some suggestions. First, actively make proposals and suggestions. Second, strengthen cultural and people-to-people exchanges. Third, enrich our cooperation. Fourth, encourage engagements and exchanges among young people. Fifth, enhance education cooperation.

CYL Chairman Mr. Himadrish Suwan made warm welcome remarks highlighting the importance of youth exchanges to further promote China-India relations and called the second youth dialogue just the beginning of year long engagement to foster closer China-India Cultural and People-to-People exchanges in 2020.

Chinese and Indian youth delegates had heated discussions and exchanged views on a wide range of topics including China-India relations and cooperation under the prescribed theme of Youth of China and India working hand in hand for a brighter future. Dozens of young delegates from both sides put forward their thoughts and ideas on moving the bilateral ties forward, and some shared their experience of studying, living and doing business in each other's countries. A lot of fresh suggestions and proposals were made. Youth of both sides found the interaction exciting and rewarding. After the discussion, they also enjoyed wonderful performances, including Chinese Wushu & traditional opera, Chinese and Indian music, dances and songs by both sides as part of the China-India youth cultural immersion program.

To highlight the everlasting bond between China and India, Mr. Himadrish Suwan, Chairman of CYL, Mr. Rajesh Goyal, Chairman of Indian Institute of Photography and Mr. Vansh Saluja, General Secretary of CYL presented a handmade painting of President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi from the recently concluded Informal Summit in Chennai to Chinese Ambassador H.E Mr. Sun Weidong. A cake cutting ceremony was organized as part of the China-India Youth Dialogue to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. Further, China-India Amity Booklet was also released and dedicated to all the youth delegates of the Dialogue.