India's Shanghai envoy, Chinese official discuss plans to boost culture, tourism ties

Beijing: India's Consul General in Shanghai Pratik Mathur held discussions with a Chinese cultural official on enhancing cultural exchanges and promoting tourism, as part of efforts to strengthen people-to-people ties in eastern China.

Mathur interacted with a cross-section of Friends of India as part of ongoing efforts to further strengthen India's growing profile in eastern China and deepen cultural and diaspora linkages between the two countries, according to a press release issued by the Indian Consulate in Shanghai on Tuesday.

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During the engagements on Monday, Mathur met Zhang Jiaxing, Chief Executive Officer of the Guoyun Intangible Cultural Heritage Centre.

The two sides discussed avenues for enhancing cultural exchanges, promoting mutual understanding, and encouraging greater tourist flows to India under the "Incredible India" campaign.

They also underscored the importance of leveraging traditional cultural heritage as a bridge for strengthening bilateral people-to-people ties, the release said.

Mathur also inaugurated a Yoga shivir (camp) at Dr Reddy's Laboratories in the Suzhou-Kunshan region as part of activities leading up to the annual International Day of Yoga (IDY), which will take place globally on June 21.

The event, organised around the theme "Yoga for Healthy Ageing", drew enthusiastic participation from members of the local community and highlighted the growing popularity of yoga and holistic wellness practices in eastern China.

The envoy also announced the forthcoming "Magic Flute" concert series in Shanghai and Hangzhou.

The performances will feature Indian flautist Rajat Prasanna and Mandy Chen, a noted Chinese tabla exponent.

The concerts are expected to advance cultural collaboration further and bring Indian artistic traditions closer to Chinese audiences, the release said.