China, India urged to bolster relationship

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong has emphasized that China-India relations are at a pivotal moment for progress, and he called for both nations to overcome challenges and proactively strengthen ties on a stable, healthy path.

Tuesday marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and India, the first nonsocialist country to establish diplomatic relations with China.

"Despite fluctuations, the bilateral relationship has overall maintained a positive momentum of development, with friendly exchanges and cooperation always being the mainstream," Xu said in an interview with China Daily.

"History has repeatedly proved that China-India relations extend far beyond the bilateral scope, holding significant regional and global influence. Unity and cooperation between China and India benefit both nations, Asia and the world at large," he said.

In October, President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met in Kazan, Russia, leading the bilateral ties to overcome difficulties and embark on a new journey.

Since then, interactions at various levels, including the 23rd Meeting of Special Representatives for China-India Boundary Question and the China-India Vice Foreign Minister-Foreign Secretary Dialogue, have taken place and reached a number of points of consensus.

China is willing to collaborate with India to reflect on experience, properly resolve differences and enhance exchanges and cooperation across all sectors and levels, Xu said.

He highlighted development as the "greatest common denominator" between the two nations, advocating aligned strategies to support mutual success.

China has long been India's top trading partner, with bilateral trade in 2024 reaching $138.48 billion, up 1.7 percent year-on-year.

Xu said that China's ongoing comprehensive deepening of reforms and expanding of high-level opening-up offer Indian businesses broader market access and closer cooperation opportunities, adding that he hopes India will ensure a "fair, transparent and sustainable business environment for Chinese companies".

Since assuming his role in May last year, Xu has visited several Indian states. "I have deeply felt that China and India not only share close historical and cultural ties and similar social values, but also have common goals of prosperity and development, underpinned by a solid foundation of people-to-people friendship."

Underlining China's commitment to boosting people-to-people exchanges with India, Xu said that Chinese diplomatic missions in India issued 280,000 visas to Indian citizens in 2024.

In the first quarter of this year, about 70,000 visas were issued, up about 15 percent year-on-year.

Last week, during a consultation between officials of the two nations' foreign ministries, the two countries agreed to accelerate efforts to resume direct flights, facilitate personnel exchanges and enable the reciprocal sending of reporters.

"Currently, the competent authorities of both sides are engaged in intensive discussions to negotiate specific plans," Xu said, expressing his hope that India will work with China to achieve tangible progress on these matters at an early date.

Youth engagement is another priority for Xu, who sees the world's largest youth populations in China and India as the future of the bilateral friendship.

"I am delighted to see many young Indian internet bloggers tasting food, exploring night markets, and taking high-speed trains in China, using their cameras to showcase an open, safe, vibrant and sincerely friendly China," he said, encouraging more frequent visits by young people to foster stronger ties.

Xu also emphasized the significance of China and India in the international arena, saying that they are both vital forces in a multipolar world, dynamic drivers of global growth and leading forces among Global South countries, and they should contribute to a more stable and better world.

He quoted President Xi's remarks during a visit to India in September 2014, when Xi said, "If we speak with one voice, the whole world will listen, and if we join hands, the whole world will pay attention."

The ambassador called for deeper coordination and cooperation in international affairs to safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing nations, promote a more just, fair and reasonable international order, and jointly address global challenges such as climate change, energy and food security, and terrorism.