Premier Wen Jiabao puts on a traditional hat given to him by young Indian people at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing on Thursday. The group is on a 10-day visit as part of the Year of China-India Exchange. [Photo by Feng Yongbin/China Daily]

BEIJING - Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao on Thursday called on youth from China and India to make more contributions toward boosting bilateral ties between the two countries.

Wen made the remarks while addressing 500 young Indians who were gathered with their Chinese peers at the Great Hall of the People in downtown Beijing.

The Indians are on a ten-day visit to China as part of the "Year of China-India Exchange," a year-long series of activities and visits aimed at bolstering relations between the citizens of both nations.

Those who attended the gathering included college students, engineers, farmers, entrepreneurs, artists and government officials. Wen said the group represents a "major force" that can advance exchanges and cooperation between both countries. He urged the attendees to make efforts in their chosen fields to improve bilateral relations.

"Young people from China and India are responsible for and capable of undertaking this common mission," he said.

By working together and cooperating closely, China and India can not only improve the livelihoods of their respective citizens, but also create benefits for the world at large, Wen said.

"The future of China-India ties is in the hands of the youth," Wen said, adding that Asia and the rest of the world will see a brighter future if Chinese and Indian youth "walk hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder."