Asserting that India and China have protected the interests of the developing world at Copenhagen climate conference, Indian Minister of External Affairs S.M. Krishna has expressed his wish developing countries will have to evolve a post-Copenhagen strategy.

In a brief meeting with the press in New Delhi Wednesday night, Krishna noted that India and China had worked closely and effectively together at Copenhagen, thereby safeguarding the interests of developing countries.

He stressed that the developing world, including India and China, needs to evaluate the results of the Copenhagen Conference and then decide on a strategy for the post-Copenhagen process.

Pushing for greater people-to-people contacts, the Indian minister has also expressed optimism about the future of its relationship with China and underlined close cultural ties between the two countries.

"Talking about our overall bilateral relationship, I am very happy to see the tremendous progress being made," said Krishna.

He was inaugurating an exhibition of Chinese paintings and calligraphy in India, an event that is being held as a precursor to a series of cultural activities that will mark the 60th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China next year.

"I am very optimistic about the future of our relationship and we should continue to work to further enhance cooperation in all fields and strengthen our strategic and cooperative partnership," Krishna said.