Chinese premier Wen Jiabao today awarded nine people, including CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury, with China-India Friendship Award saying the two countries should work "hand-in-hand" in changing global and economic times.
The awards were given for their contribution to promoting India-China friendship and understanding. The awardees belonged to various fields like business, academics and media.
Besides Yechury, others who received the awards were Prof Tan Chung, G Viswanathan, G Banerjee, M Mohanty, S Chakrabarty, Bhaskaran, Sherdill and Pallavi Iyer.
Presenting the awards, Wen expressed the need for the two countries to work "hand-in-hand" in changing global and economic times.
The Chinese Premier also recalled the contributions made by Fa Hian who travelled across China to spread Buddhism, Dr Dwarakanath Kotnis who rendered medical services during the national liberation movement of China and Mahatma Gandhi who fought for the freedom of India.
He recalled the support which was given by both the countries to each other during their national independence struggles.
Thanking on behalf of all awardees, Yechury said the Premier's visit will prove to be yet "another milestone" in improving the bilateral ties.
Wen also acknowledged the relevance of Panchsheel in the relationship.
The Chinese Prime Minister is on a three-day visit to New Delhi.
