The exchange of youth delegations with friendly countries is taken up on a reciprocal basis for promoting exchange of ideas, values and culture amongst the youth of different countries and also to develop international understanding.  This Department has been carrying out regular exchange of youth delegations with China and South Korea, from the year 2006 onwards.

During the visit of the Chinese Premier to India in April, 2005, it was decided to launch regular youth exchange programmes between India and China.  This agreement also found reference in the Joint Statement of April, 11, 2005 signed by the two Prime Ministers, which announced the launching of regular youth exchange programmes between India and China. 

The Prime Minister of India and the Chinese Premier proposed to invite 100 Indian youth to China and 100 Chinese youth to India. During the year 2011 which was declared as the Yea-r of India-China Exchange, 500 Indian youth visited China in September, 2011. Reciprocally, 500 Chinese youth visited India to strengthen Indo-China friendship and cooperation.   

In 2010, the two countries marked the 60^th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. The year 2011 was designated as the “Year of India -China Exchange” and the year 2012 was designated as the “Year of India -China Friendship and Cooperation”, which was marked by many visits and a very constructive dialogue process. During the visit of Premier Li Keqiang to India on 19-22 May 2013, India and China decided to mark the 60^th anniversary of the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence (Panchsheel) in 2014 by designating it as the "Year of Friendly Exchanges".

This year’s delegation visit is the eighth since beginning of the Youth Exchange Programme with China. The week-long visit (7-14 November, 2013) of the 98 member youth delegation is being led by Mr. Xu Xiao, Secretary, Central Committee, Communist Youth League of China. This visit involves interaction with local youth, visits to academic, tourist, industrial and cultural sites. It also has elements of educational values and interactive session in different areas ranging from infrastructure development, eco-tourism to information technology.

The programme for the visiting delegation includes Delhi, Agra and Mumbai.  The delegation is visiting historical sites in Delhi like Humayun Tomb, Qutub Minar, National Museum etc.   While visiting Agra Taj Mahal, Fatehpur Sikri, and Agra Fort will be covered. To showcase India’s development in the field of education, the delegation will be taken to Colleges in Delhi.

* On the occasion of visit of Chinese Youth Delegation to India

****

AD/DB