Indian ambassador Nalin Surie gifted the photographs of Buddhist heritage sites, taken by renowned photographer Benoy Behl, to the Jade Buddha Temple, stressing the deep historical and cultural linkages between India and China, official sources said.

Also, a permanent photo exhibition on Buddhism ? ?A Path of Compassion' was inaugurated on Sunday at the Jade Buddha Temple by Consul General of India in Shanghai, Vishnu Prakash and by Chief Abbot Jue Xing.

In his inaugural remarks, the Consul General noted that the Buddha's message of peace and brotherhood was universal, and was even more relevant today.

The ancient land of China, home to Confucianism and Taoism, not only benefitted from but has also greatly enriched the Buddhist philosophy, forging in the process a strong bond between India and China, Prakash said.

Jue Xing, also Vice Chairman of China Buddhist Association and Chairman of Shanghai Buddhist Association, hailed the historic relations between Jade Buddha Temple and India, recalling visits by several Indian dignitaries.

He termed Sino-Indian cultural interaction as unique and called for closer friendship between the two countries, which was conducive for world peace and prosperity.

He described the exhibition a valuable festive gift of far-reaching importance for Shanghai's Buddhist circle in the Spring Festival, the Chinese Lunar New Year which was marked on January 29.