Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong expressed optimism about the future of India-China ties on Sunday, describing the relationship as one rooted in a shared civilizational heritage spanning thousands of years. He hoped that relations between the two neighbours would become “better and better” in the coming years.Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a felicitation programme in Kolkata for Indian students proficient in Chinese, Feihong highlighted the historical depth of the bilateral relationship.He said, that the two countries have enjoyed these close ties for the majority of these thousands of years. When asked about the ongoing border issues, Feihong cited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s past remarks, saying, “Just like Prime Minister Modi said that in the thousands of years’ relations between China and India, there was a very short time of differences between us.” “We should look forward, look to the future, the young people today,” he stated, noting that youth were central to building stronger understanding. Praising the Indian students honoured at the event, Feihong said that the young generation is the hope for the two nations.“So we should believe that in the future our relationships will be better and better,” and this is serrves as a reason to resolve the differences on both sides, he said, quoted by PTI. On the question of resolving border tensions, he stressed that work should be done by both sides and not only by the government but also by the think tanks, students and universities. Feihong recalled the “very important consensus” reached between Prime Minister Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to promote “good neighbourly relationships” and expressed confidence that “new development will be taking shape in the coming time”. He also said he was hopeful that direct flights between India and China, suspended since 2020, would resume soon. Addressing the gathering, the envoy noted that India-China relations were at a “critical stage” and highlighted that 2025 will mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. He announced plans for a youth exchange delegation from India to visit several Chinese cities, including Beijing.