Indian envoy’s fluent Mandarin sparks online buzz
BEIJING, May 31: A video of India’s new ambassador to China, Vikram Doraiswami, giving a tour of the Indian Embassy in fluent Mandarin has gone viral on Chinese social media, earning widespread praise and highlighting growing efforts to strengthen India-China ties.
The two-and-a-half-minute video, posted on the embassy’s Chinese social media platforms and X account, showcases various aspects of the mission while emphasising the deep cultural and civilisational links between the two countries. Speaking in Mandarin, Doraiswami highlighted the shared heritage of India and China and invited Chinese citizens to participate in events organised by the embassy.
Standing beside a bust of Rabindranath Tagore, the ambassador recalled Tagore’s visits to China more than a century ago and his call for the revival of Asian culture and civilisation. Doraiswami noted that India and China are home to two of the world’s oldest civilisations, with rich traditions in art, music, theatre, cuisine and culture.
The envoy has attracted attention in China since his appointment in March. At the time, China’s Foreign Ministry welcomed him and highlighted his Chinese name, Wei Jiameng, which roughly translates as “one who forms an excellent alliance.” The name generated positive reactions among Chinese officials and social media users.
The video has received an overwhelmingly favourable response online. Many Chinese netizens expressed hopes for closer bilateral relations and greater people-to-people exchanges. Several users called for further easing of visa procedures, with some urging the restoration and expansion of e-visa facilities to facilitate travel between the two countries.
Doraiswami is well-equipped for his role, having studied Chinese and served in both Hong Kong and Beijing during his diplomatic career. Before taking up his current post, he served as India’s High Commissioner to the United Kingdom.
His appointment comes as India and China work to rebuild relations following the prolonged military standoff in eastern Ladakh that began in 2020 and strained ties for several years.
In recent months, both countries have taken steps to normalise relations, including restoring visa services and flight connections, as they seek to improve diplomatic and economic engagement after the border tensions eased. (PTI)
