The premier meanwhile expressed his gratitude to the people on both sides who have worked hard for the success of the Festival of China in India, and wished the Indian people happiness and healthiness in the coming new year.

Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao (L) and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh attend the celebration activities of the 60th anniversary of the Establishment of Diplomatic Relations between China and India, in New Delhi, India, Dec. 16, 2010. [Liu Weibing/Xinhua]

When addressing the ceremony, Singh said China is India's biggest neighbor, and that it is a consistent diplomatic objective of India to develop ties with China.

He also hailed the China-India cooperation as a cornerstone for a century of Asia, saying it also has global and strategic significance.

China and India are friends, not rivals, and there is enough room in the world for China and India to develop at the same time, Singh said.

He added that the two countries should jointly enhance exchanges and cooperation in a bid to make new achievements in the China-India strategic and cooperative partnership.

Wen arrived in New Delhi Wednesday for a three-day official visit at the invitation of Singh.