Minister of State for External Affairs General (Retd.) VK Singh with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing (Press Trust of India)
China today lauded India's presence at the 70th anniversary events held to commemorate its victory over Japan in World War II, saying it sent a "clear signal" to the global community that the two countries stand together.
"Chinese people's fight against foreign aggression is part of historical fight of all nations rising against foreign aggression and for national independence," Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi told Minister of State for External Affair General VK Singh when the two leaders met here for talks to review bilateral ties.
"So it (the anniversary day) belonged to the people of world. On such a momentous day we cannot allow not to have the presence of Indian friends and your support," Mr Wang said.
"So your coming has sent a clear signal to the international community that China and India have and will continue to be together," he said.
Mr Singh visited Beijing as a special envoy of the Indian government to attend the reception and a grand parade hosted by China to commemorate the 70th anniversary of its victory over Japan in World War II.
Apart from a special reception hosted by Chinese President Xi Jinping, a massive military parade was held yesterday to commemorate the event.
Recalling the help rendered by Dr Dwarakanath Kotnis, the Indian doctor who took part in the international medical mission to treat the Chinese forces during the World War II,
Mr Wang said he was a household name in China and his name was mentioned during yesterday's parade as a mark of gratitude and respect of the entire Chinese nation.
"We will cherish his memory," he said.
Singh, who is here on a third visit to China after Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government took office, said last year's visit of the Chinese President to India and Premier Modi's trip here in May have created an atmosphere of "great friendship and created mutual understanding of each other".
He said the forthcoming visit Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao was expected to result in substantive outcomes. Officials said Mr Li's visit was expected to take place later this year.
Considering the political sensitivities involved in yesterday's parade with anti-Japan overtones, India had a low key presence.
The Indian government deputed Singh to attend the function while refraining from sending troops to take part in the parade. Troops of 17 countries, including Russia and Pakistan, took part in the event.
Russian President Vladimir Putin, Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and dignitaries of 28 other countries were present on the occasion.