Delegation of Senior Indian Diplomats visit China

A 4-member delegation of senior Indian diplomats undertook a familiarization visit to China from 06-10 May 2019. The visit was part of regular exchanges between Ministry of External Affairs of India and Ministry of Foreign Affairs of China. The delegation was led by Ambassador of India to Bhutan Ms. Ruchira Kamboj and comprised of Ambassador of India to Russia Mr. D. B. Venkatesh Varma, Ambassador of India to Thailand Ms. Suchitra Durai and Joint Secretary (Eurasia Division) of Ministry of External Affairs Mr. Manish Prabhat. Earlier in 2018, a group of 5 senior Indian diplomats had visited China under this exchange programme.

The delegation visited four cities of Guangzhou, Shenzhen, Wuhan and Beijing, a statement by the Indian Embassy in Beijing said. In Guangzhou, the delegation met with Mr. Xu Ruisheng, Vice Governor of Guangdong Province and visited the Guangzhou Urban Planning Exhibition Center. In Shenzhen, the delegation visited the China Development Institute, an economic think-tank, and interacted with its Executive Vice President and other scholars. They also visited battery manufacturing plant of BYD, a Shenzhen-based electric vehicle global major. The company officials introduced different models of their e-vehicles and also gave insights on the various operational aspects. During their visit to Wuhan, the delegation met with Executive Vice Governor of Hubei Province Mr. Huang Chuping and visited places of historical and cultural significance. At the meetings in the Provinces, the delegation discussed prospects of furthering India-China bilateral cooperation, especially to enhance economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges.

In the last leg of their visit in Beijing, the delegation met with Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Mr. Kong Xuanyou, Director General of Asia Department at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Mr. Wu Jianghao and Deputy Director of Central Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Mr. Liu Jianchao. Both sides agreed to continue exchanges among diplomats of India and China. The delegation also met Chinese scholars at Development Research Centre of the State Council, China Institutes of Contemporary International Relations, China Institute of International Studies, and PLA National Defense University. They also visited the office of Global Times and met with Mr. Hu Xijin, Editor-in-Chief of English edition of Global Times. Mr. Hu Xijin introduced Global Times and highlighted the interest and attention the Chinese media pays to India-China relations in general. India’s senior Diplomats highlighted the role of media in enhancing understanding between people of India and China. On their visit to the Chinese company Beiqi New Energy Department, they interacted with its young employees, and at the Beijing Electric Vehicle Co.,Ltd, a subsidiary of BAIC (Beijing Automative Industry holding Co.,Ltd), company officials introduced different models of their e-vehicles and also gave insights on the various operational aspects.

. 

Aditi Bhaduri

See author's posts