China, Russia Envoys Pitch Deeper Ties at Mumbai Civilisation Forum
Chinese and Russian diplomats in Mumbai called for deeper cultural and economic ties, citing trade, tourism, and platforms like BRICS.
At the Global Impact Forum: Edition II – Civilisation Legacy in Mumbai, senior diplomats from China and Russia made a case for stronger cultural and economic engagement with India, even as global geopolitical tensions persist.
Qin Jie, China's Consul-General in Mumbai, pointed to the long history of Sino-Indian learning and called for more people-to-people exchanges. He cited recent high-level visits, including NSA Ajit Doval's trip to Beijing, as encouraging momentum. He also highlighted ongoing cooperation in university sports and space discussions, alongside the presence of Chinese banks like Bank of China and ICBC in Mumbai.
Qin framed both nations as key drivers of global growth, noting their large economies in purchasing power parity terms. He expressed hope that upcoming platforms, including the BRICS Summit in New Delhi and the Global Fintech Fest in Mumbai, would offer space for strategic alignment. He described BRICS as an open, inclusive group that provides certainty in uncertain times.
Aleksandr Fursov, Deputy Consul General of Russia in Mumbai, flagged the 60th anniversary of sister-city ties between Saint Petersburg and Mumbai in 2027 as a milestone to be marked specially. He acknowledged a limited mutual perception between Indians and Russians, urging more information sharing. Fursov also noted that e-visa facilities now make it easier for Indian travellers to visit Russia, which he said could spur tourism and investment.
Inaugurating the forum, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said that in a fragmented world, unity requires more than political dialogue—it needs cultural exchange and economic cooperation. He invoked the ethos of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, suggesting ancient civilisations offer tested wisdom for building a collaborative order.