In a strategic move to revitalize intellectual engagement between India and China, Indian Ambassador to China Vikram Doraiswami met with Ambassador Chen Bo, President of the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS), in Beijing on Wednesday. The meeting focused on the critical role of academic and research-based dialogue in navigating the complexities of the bilateral relationship.
Focus on think tank exchanges
During the discussions, Ambassador Chen Bo provided an overview of CIIS's ongoing work and briefed the Indian envoy on the history of think tank exchanges between the institute and various Indian counterparts. Ambassador Doraiswami emphasized the necessity of deepening interactions among scholars, researchers, and strategic thinkers from both countries. He noted that regular, high-level exchanges are essential to fostering nuanced discussions on both bilateral concerns and global issues of mutual interest.
Embassy statement on social media
In a post on X, the Embassy of India in Beijing stated, "Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami met Amb. Chen Bo, President of the China Institute of International Studies (CIIS) at Beijing, today. Amb. Chen Bo briefed about CIIS and the Think tank exchanges conducted by the Institute with Indian counterparts. Amb. Doraiswami also spoke of the importance of exchanges between think tanks, scholars and researchers of India and China to promote discussions on both bilateral and global issues of salience. They spoke of ways to encourage more such visits and interactions between think tanks and young scholars of two countries."
Proactive approach to track-II diplomacy
The meeting underscores a proactive approach to maintaining communication channels through track-II diplomacy, even as both countries manage a complex and evolving bilateral agenda. By prioritizing the exchange of ideas and research, both India and China aim to create a more stable environment for dialogue at the intellectual level.
Other diplomatic engagements
Earlier in the day, Doraiswami met Fazeel Najeeb, Ambassador of the Maldives to China, to discuss strengthening bilateral ties. In a post on X, the embassy said, "Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami met H.E. Fazeel Najeeb, Ambassador of the Maldives to China on 09 June 2026. The discussions touched on the long-standing friendly ties between the Maldives and India, and reaffirmed the strengthening of ties, including in tourism and people-to-people exchanges in the present context."
Doraiswami also held talks with Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, on India-China people-to-people exchanges. The embassy noted, "Strengthening people-to-people ties! Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami met Amb. Yang Wanming, President of the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries, to discuss the enduring legacy of India-China P2P exchanges and ways to enhance cultural, educational, and youth interactions. Both sides emphasized fostering greater mutual understanding through deeper people-to-people connections."
