Postage stamps released to mark India-China relations

New Delhi, July 11 : India today introduced a set of two postage stamps to commemorate bilateral relations with China depicting two famous Buddhist temples, the Mahabodhi Temple of India and the White Horse Temple of China.

The stamps were released in New Delhi by Communications and Information Technology Minister A. Raja in the presence of Indian and Chinese officials.

Leaves of the Pipal tree form the background of the two religious monuments. The stamps have been priced at Rs. 15 each.

The Chinese version of these stamps were released in Beijing last month during External Affairs Minister Pranab Mukherjee's visit.

The common design of the stamps has been jointly done by Postal Departments of India and China.

Raja recalled the centuries of cultural exchange between India and China and described Buddhism as the mainstay of the relationship.

He pointed out that the joint stamp is a reminder of friendly relations between the two countries.

He said regional cooperation will help improve the quality of service in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Communication and IT State Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia observed that the two joint stamps are the finest symbols of the cultural binding force between India and China.

Chinese Ambassador to India Zhang Yan, Department of Posts Secretary Radhika Doraiswamy and delegates from both countries attended the stamp release function.

ANI