Zillar Barta Desk : Chinese Consul General in Kolkata Xu Wei has called for stronger India-China relations, stressing that the two countries should build on the recent understanding between their top leaders and expand cooperation in areas of mutual interest.
Speaking at a Chinese National Day reception in Kolkata, Xu said the September 12 meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi had laid the foundation for stronger bilateral ties. According to the envoy, the key understanding reached by the two leaders was that China and India should be partners.
Xu highlighted the economic potential of closer cooperation between the two countries. He said bilateral trade reached around $125 billion between January and August 2026, representing a 22.6% year-on-year increase, while Indian exports to China rose by 41% during the period.
The Chinese diplomat said India and China should focus on development as a major area of common ground, strengthen friendly exchanges and pursue mutually beneficial cooperation. He also called for both sides to address economic and trade concerns in a balanced manner.
Xu pointed to the resumption of direct flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi as another step that could boost business travel and people-to-people exchanges. He also referred to cultural and educational initiatives involving institutions and communities in eastern India.
Discussing the wider role of India and China, Xu described the two countries as important members of the Global South. He also highlighted cooperation through the BRICS framework, including areas such as artificial intelligence, digital industries, intelligent manufacturing and youth exchanges.
The remarks come amid renewed diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Beijing. Recent exchanges between the two sides have focused on maintaining dialogue, expanding practical cooperation and managing differences while promoting stability.
Xu also emphasised the importance of eastern India, particularly West Bengal, in strengthening India-China relations. The Chinese Consulate in Kolkata has organised cultural programmes, language initiatives, film festivals, food festivals and other people-to-people exchanges in the region.
Calling for the implementation of the understanding reached by the two countries' leaders, Xu said stronger cooperation could contribute to regional stability, peace and mutual development.
The latest comments underline Beijing's stated interest in expanding engagement with New Delhi while placing economic, cultural and multilateral cooperation at the centre of the relationship.
