India and China will keep contributing to global architecture

To further broaden our partnership, our leaders established the India-China States/Provincial Leaders' Forum during Modi's visit, the first such initiative India has taken with another country. As our countries have historically enjoyed warm and frequent contacts, special attention has been paid to cultural and people-to-people links. The year 2015 was designated "Visit India Year in China" and 2016 is "Visit China Year in India". During his visit, Modi also announced e-tourist visa for Chinese nationals, which was implemented on July 30, 2015. And the amazing response to International Day of Yoga in June 2015, which was celebrated across 27 cities in China, has convinced me that yoga will find a second home in China.

A key joint strategy is our strong synergy at the global high table. I am happy that India is the second-largest stakeholder, after China, in the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, and it was an honor for me to represent India at its signing ceremony in Beijing .

We do have some unresolved bilateral issues, with the boundary question being the most prominent. While we strive for an early resolution of the boundary issue as a strategic objective, pending an ultimate resolution, we are committed to maintaining peace and tranquility along the border. As Modi has said, the fact that not a single bullet has been fired for more than three decades across the India-China border reflects the maturity of the bilateral relationship.

As I end my tenure in Beijing, I take satisfaction from the all-round progress of our relationship. As Modi said: "If I have to describe the potential of India-China ties, I will say INCH (India and China) toward MILES (Millennium of Exceptional Synergy)." I am confident that together we will continue to forge ahead to shape the new Asian and global architecture.

The author just retired as Indian ambassador to China.