Indian diaspora in China raises anti-India content
BEIJING, AUGUST: Members of the Indian community in China have raised concerns over the growing anti-India content on Chinese social media platforms, declining work visas for Indian professionals and consular issues during the first Open House organised by the Indian Embassy in recent years.
Indian Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami, along with Counsellor (Consular, Education and Community Affairs) Nitinjeet Singh and Counsellor (Visa) Ramesh Singh, interacted with Indians working in various sectors in Beijing to discuss issues affecting the community.
Participants highlighted the increase in abusive and misleading content targeting Indians, their culture and food habits on Chinese social media platforms. They also expressed concerns over a decline in work visas for Indian professionals, restrictions on employment opportunities for spouses and difficulties related to consular services.
Responding to the concerns, Ambassador Doraiswami said the Chinese government was aware of the rise in anti-India content on social media and was taking steps to address the issue. He said the Indian Embassy was countering misinformation by sharing factual information through its official social media platforms.
The Ambassador said the mission planned to organise more cultural events, building on the success of programmes such as the annual Vasant Mela, to showcase India’s diverse culture, traditions and cuisine.
He also said the Embassy was working to establish a network of legal professionals to assist Indians facing work-related issues in China.
Doraiswami, who assumed charge in May, has stepped up engagements with Chinese officials as part of efforts to improve bilateral relations between the two countries.
He announced that the Embassy would further simplify documentation requirements for Chinese nationals seeking Indian visas from next week to facilitate greater travel to India.
To improve consular services and maintain regular engagement with the Indian community, the Embassy also plans to organise Open House interactions at regular intervals to address concerns and grievances.
(Agencies)
