On May 21 local time, Premier Li Keqiang met with Manorama Kotnis, the younger sister of Dr. Dwarkanath Kotnis and other family members in Mumbai.

Li Keqiang had a warm chat with Manorama and her family. He cared about their life today and together with them, looked at the treasured photos of Dr. Kotnis taken in those years when he worked in China. Li Keqiang said, Dr. Kotnis is a great friend of the Chinese people. He went to China over 70 years ago, despite all the hardships and risks, to help the Chinese people for the anti-fascism war and sacrificed his precious life. The Chinese people will never forget the sincere help of the Indian friend at their most difficult time. The shining image of Dr. Kotnis will forever stay in the hearts of the Chinese people.

Li Keqiang said, during my visit to India this time, I have reached strategic consensus with the national leaders of India on further developing bilateral relations. I had extensive contacts with people from all walks of life and was impressed that the friendship and cooperation between China and India have been deeply rooted in the hearts of the people, and the bilateral relationship enjoys very broad prospects. Li Keqiang praised Manorama for being long committed to enhancing China-India friendship. He encouraged the young members of Kotnis family to continue to provide their care and support to the development of China-India relations, to become descendents of China-India friendship and pass on China-India friendship endlessly from generation to generation.

Manorama and other relatives thanked Li Keqiang for his special meeting. They said that Dr. Kotnis is a symbol of India-China friendship. Although he passed away more than half a century ago, China has never forgotten him. They feel deeply proud as well as moved as his relatives, and will carry on the spirit of Dr. Kotnis, working as envoys of India-China friendship in the new era.