China formally greets Modi; sends message though Indian envoy

“He added that the Chinese Government is willing to work with India to strengthen the strategic and cooperative partnership,” the release said.

Wang also expressed appreciation for the contribution made by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to India-China relations over the last 10 years, it said.

While the protocol-conscious Chinese establishment waited for a formal moment for its leadership to establish contact with Modi, the official media here carried several articles praising his leadership and projected a bright future for Sino-Indian relations under his leadership. 

The articles recalled Modi's close association with China as chief minister of Gujarat and his four visits here scouting for investments.

Most of the over USD 900 million worth of Chinese investments in India have been made in Gujarat.