On October 26, 2007, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee, met in Ziguangge, Zhongnanhai, with Indian National Congress Party President Sonia Gandhi, who is also leader of the Indian United Progressive Alliance.

During the meeting, Wen made positive comments on China-India ties, adding that with the concerted efforts of both sides, bilateral relations have made steady progress with expanding and deepening cooperation in all areas. The premier said he was pleased to see the sound momentum in the development of bilateral ties.

"China and India are close neighbors, friends and cooperative partners," Wen said, stressing that the friendship, cooperation and common prosperity between the two most populous and also biggest developing countries are not only vital to the two countries, but also of great significance to Asia and the world at large. "China expects to see a prosperous India and is ready to view and handle bilateral ties from a strategic perspective so as to boost mutual trust, cooperation and promote common development," Wen said.

Sonia Gandhi voiced agreement with Wen's comment on bilateral relations. Hailing the new progress made in bilateral ties in recent years, she said the two countries have conducted frequent high-level visits and exchanges at all other levels, which help push for their mutually beneficial cooperation. Sonia Gandhi said that the Indian side is willing to make joint efforts with China to strengthen friendly relations between the two countries and promote bilateral exchanges among the two peoples, especially among the youths, so that both sides can learn from each other to achieve common development.

Minister of the International Department of the CPC Central Committee Wang Jiarui and other officials attended the meeting.