Shanghai [China], March 20 (ANI): Since the start of 2026, the Consulate General of India in Shanghai, led by Consul General Pratik Mathur, has undertaken a wide-ranging programme of engagements with municipal authorities, industry, think tanks and international partners to strengthen educational, cultural, business and people-to-people ties across eastern China. These efforts have supported India’s 3Ts priorities — Trade, Technology and Tourism — and reinforced solidarity among Global South nations.
Outreach to local governments provided a foundation for deeper cooperation. In Shanghai, Consul General Mathur met Mayor Gong Zheng on the sidelines of the inauguration of the SCO Cooperation Center for Metabolic Diseases, building on momentum from the SCO Summit in Tianjin and the resumption of direct air links, and reaffirming commitments to expanded bilateral and multilateral cooperation under SCO and BRICS with an emphasis on connectivity and people-to-people ties.
In Ningbo, Mathur met Bao Xianping, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office, discussing the sizeable community of Indian medical students at Ningbo Medical University, the historic Ayuwang (Asoka) Temple — the only ancient Chinese temple named after Emperor Ashoka and home to sacred Buddhist relics — and economic linkages anchored by Ningbo’s port, active Indian traders and growing investment opportunities. He also hosted Ding Qijie, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of Shaoxing Municipal People’s Government, highlighting the 1,500-strong Indian diaspora’s role in the local textile trade, economic and cultural exchanges, and exploring enhanced consular services and community welfare.
Sectoral engagements targeted strategic priorities. In agriculture and food security, Mathur met office bearers of the Agrochemical Federation of India participating in CAC 2026, underscoring India’s focus on sustainable development and resilient supply chains, with over 500 Indian exhibitors reinforcing the country’s role in agrarian advancement. Civil aviation discussions with the Air India Asia-Pacific team, led by Dilip Baruah, reviewed Shanghai’s emergence as a critical connectivity hub between India and eastern China. In technology and innovation, Mathur held discussions with Carrie Suen of Ant Group on fintech, digital economy opportunities and sustainable solutions, while noting China’s participation in India’s upcoming AI Impact Summit as evidence of deepening collaboration. The textile sector benefited from the strong Indian business presence in Shaoxing, and India’s participation in CIIE 2026 was announced as a platform to showcase the country’s growth and competitiveness.
Cultural diplomacy remained prominent: Mathur felicitated young achiever Yashvi Kabra for promoting Indian cinema to Chinese audiences via platforms like Xiaohongshu, and engaged the Shanghai Marathi Mandal to prepare community celebrations for Gudi Padwa.
Think-tank and academic outreach included exchanges with Benjamin Reichenbach of Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and Mattia Marino of European House – Ambrosetti on the India-EU FTA and India’s rising role as a preferred partner. Meetings with Prof. Huang Jing of Shanghai International Studies University addressed international relations and regional stability, while discussions with Dr. Cao Wenming of the Shanghai Food Industry Research Institute focused on food standards and safety. A consular gathering hosted at the Consulate brought together Consul Generals from Cuba, Serbia and Honduras, fostering Global South solidarity.
Throughout these engagements, Consul General Pratik Mathur stressed how city-level partnerships, sector cooperation and cultural initiatives advance India’s 3Ts: strengthening trade via port synergies, exhibitions and business networks; accelerating technology collaboration through fintech, AI and scientific exchanges; and expanding tourism with improved air connectivity, heritage links and people-to-people contact.
CGI Shanghai’s activities have showcased India’s heritage, innovation and global outlook while promoting deeper mutual understanding and mutually beneficial partnerships across eastern China. (ANI)
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