CGI Shanghai's 2026 Outreach Deepens India-China Ties Across Trade, Tech, and Tourism
Since the start of 2026, the Consulate General of India (CGI) in Shanghai, led by Consul General Shri Pratik Mathur, has executed a comprehensive and strategic series of engagements with Chinese municipal authorities, industry leaders, think tanks, and international partners. These initiatives have systematically strengthened educational, cultural, business, and people-to-people connections between India and the vibrant cities of eastern China. This sustained outreach directly supports India's 3Ts priorities—Trade, Technology, and Tourism—while reinforcing solidarity among Global South nations.
Strengthening Local Government Partnerships
Outreach to local governments has laid a robust foundation for bilateral cooperation. In Shanghai, Consul General Pratik Mathur met with Mayor Gong Zheng during the inauguration of the SCO Cooperation Center for Metabolic Diseases. Their discussions built upon the positive momentum from the SCO Summit in Tianjin and the resumption of direct air links, reaffirming commitments to expanded bilateral and multilateral cooperation under SCO and BRICS frameworks, with a focus on connectivity and people-to-people ties.
Additionally, Consul General Mathur engaged with Bao Xianping, Director General of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Ningbo Municipal People's Government. Their talks highlighted the active community of Indian medical students at Ningbo Medical University, the historic Ayuwang (Asoka) Temple—the only ancient temple in China named after Emperor Ashoka and home to sacred Buddhist relics—and the strong economic linkages anchored by Ningbo's world-class port, active Indian traders, and growing mutual investment opportunities.
Further, Consul General hosted Ding Qijie, Deputy Director of the Foreign Affairs Office of the Shaoxing Municipal People's Government, spotlighting the significant contributions of the 1,500-strong Indian diaspora to the local textile trade, economy, and cultural exchanges. The meeting also explored enhanced consular services and community welfare initiatives.
Focus on Strategic Economic Sectors
Parallel engagements have concentrated on sectors of strategic interest to India. In agriculture and food security, Consul General Mathur met with office bearers of the Agrochemical Federation of India participating in the China International Agrochemical & Crop Protection Exhibition (CAC 2026). Both sides emphasized India's strong focus on sustainable development and resilient global supply chains, with over 500 Indian exhibitors and participants reinforcing the country's central role in agrarian advancement.
Civil aviation received dedicated attention through a meeting with the Air India Asia-Pacific team led by Dilip Baruah, where Shanghai's emergence as a critical connectivity hub linking India and eastern China was reviewed. In technology and innovation, Consul General held productive discussions with Carrie Suen of Ant Group on fintech, digital economy opportunities, and sustainable solutions that empower the Global South. These talks also highlighted China's participation in India's upcoming AI Impact Summit as a reflection of deepening global collaborations.
The textile sector benefited from the strong presence of the Indian business community in Shaoxing, and India's participation in the upcoming CIIE 2026 was announced as a major platform to showcase the country's fastest-growing economy and global competitiveness.
Promoting Soft Power and Cultural Diplomacy
Soft power and cultural diplomacy have remained equally prominent. Consul General Mathur felicitated young achiever Yashvi Kabra for her initiatives in bringing Indian cinema closer to Chinese audiences through platforms such as Xiaohongshu. He also met with the Shanghai Marathi Mandal to prepare for community celebrations of Gudi Padwa, fostering cultural exchanges.
Engaging Think Tanks and Academic Institutions
Think-tank outreach included constructive exchanges with Benjamin Reichenbach of the prominent German think-tank Friedrich Ebert Stiftung and Mattia Marino of the Italian think-tank European House - Ambrosetti. Discussions focused on the transformative potential of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement and India's emergence as a preferred international partner.
Academic and scientific ties were advanced through meetings with Prof. Huang Jing of Shanghai International Studies University on international relations and regional stability, and with Dr. Cao Wenming of the Shanghai Food Industry Research Institute on food standards and safety. A special gathering hosted at the Consulate brought together Consul Generals from Cuba, Serbia, and Honduras, fostering the spirit of solidarity and shared aspirations among Global South nations.
Advancing India's 3Ts Agenda
Across all these engagements, Consul General Pratik Mathur has consistently underscored how city-level partnerships, sectoral cooperation, and cultural initiatives directly advance India's 3Ts agenda. This includes strengthening trade through port synergies, exhibitions, and business networks; accelerating technology collaboration via fintech, AI, and scientific exchanges; and expanding tourism through improved air connectivity, heritage links, and vibrant people-to-people contacts.
These efforts by CGI Shanghai have showcased India's rich heritage, innovation, and global outlook while promoting deeper mutual understanding and mutually beneficial partnerships across eastern China. The sustained outreach since January 2026 has not only deepened cooperation but also positioned India as a key player in regional and global dialogues, aligning with broader diplomatic and economic strategies.
