Xi Jinping called China and India "good neighbors, friends, and partners."

In his congratulatory message to Indian President Droupadi Murmu on Republic Day, the Chinese president said that relations between China and India had continued to improve over the past year and were of great importance for maintaining and promoting world peace and prosperity.

According to him, the partnership of "good neighbors, friends, and partners" is the right choice for both countries. In a symbolic expression, he compared the cooperation between the two countries to "the dance of the dragon and the elephant."

The Chinese leader expressed his hope that Beijing and New Delhi would expand exchanges and cooperation and address mutual concerns in order to promote stable and healthy relations.

Relations between the two nuclear powers have long been strained by a dispute over a border approximately 3,800 kilometers long. Tensions peaked in 2020 with a deadly clash between soldiers in the Himalayas. Since last year, however, both sides have taken steps to improve relations, including resuming direct flights and strengthening trade and investment.

(Xinhua, Reuters, EST)