The Year of the Snake began with a lavish reception held at the Hyatt Regency Kolkata by the Chinese Consulate in Kolkata to celebrate the Chinese New Year. In addition to celebrating the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations, this event brought attention to the two countries’ longstanding relationship.

On behalf of Consul General Xu Wei, Acting Consul General Qin Yong wished everyone a happy New Year. He highlighted the importance of the last year in bolstering China-India relations in his speech, pointing to the crucial meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping that resulted in a renewed commitment to deepening bilateral relationships.

In the assessment of 2024’s accomplishments, Qin Yong emphasized China’s economic expansion, pointing to an annual GDP of almost 135 trillion Yuan, a 5% rise from the previous year. Along with the impressive performance of Chinese athletes at the Olympic Games in Paris, he also highlighted scientific and technological advancements, namely in the fields of artificial intelligence, new energy, and aerospace.

Recalling the collaborative celebration of the 100th anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore’s visit to China, the Acting Consul General emphasized the value of cultural exchanges. He said that to promote understanding between the two civilizations, East Indian intellectuals, artists, Buddhist Bhikkhus, and youth leaders traveled to China, while Chinese scholars witnessed the Durga Puja in West Bengal.

The celebration gave guests an immersive sense of Chinese history through cultural performances, traditional Chinese music, and a display of Chinese cuisine. The occasion strengthened the long-standing friendship and collaboration between China and India in addition to celebrating the Lunar New Year.

Priyanka Dutta