Encyclopedia of India–China Cultural Contacts v2.c14.58

v2.c14.58

In the 1950s, India and China began full contact and cooperation in political, economic and cultural aspects. Leaders of both countries all attached great importance to the newly established mutual friendship. They cooperated with and supported each other under the anti-imperialist banner. China supported India to recover Goa, while India supported China to resume its lawful seat in the UN. There were many high-level visits. From June 25-28, 1954, the Chinese Premier and Foreign Minister Zhou Enlai visited India. The day he arrived in New Delhi, he went to see the Indian President Rajendra Prasad, Vice President Radhakrishnan and Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He held talks with Nehru to arrive at an extensive agreement on many issues, and issued a joint communiqué calling for 'Five Principles' to deal with international relations. From October 19-30, 1954, Indian Prime Minister Nehru and his daughter Indira Gandhi paid a visit to China and were warmly received by Chinese leaders and people. Premier Zhou held a grand banquet to welcome the distinguished guests, and Chairman Mao also personally met Nehru and held a banquet to entertain him. Nehru’s visit further promoted common understanding and friendship between the two countries. In the Bandung Conference held in April 1955, Indian and Chinese prime ministers worked to promote solidarity and anti-imperialist efforts among Asian and African countries. Later, Premier Zhou Enlai visited India in 1956 and 1960.