Stating that “the spring of China-India relations is arriving”, Chinese Consul General in Kolkata Xu Wei on Tuesday said the two countries are working towards resuming direct flights and would jointly hold events to celebrate 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations.

“Before the pandemic, the two countries had launched direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Kunming to New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other cities, with 50 flights per week. The two sides are currently working on resuming direct flights between the two countries as soon as possible,” Wei said at a press conference here.

“In another week, on April 1, it will be the day marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. This year, China and India will jointly hold some celebrations. We are happy to see that the spring of China-India relations is arriving,” Wei added.

He also said that as part of the 100th anniversary of Rabindranath Tagore’s visit to China, 20 Chinese scholars will participate in an international seminar at Visva-Bharati on April 1.

“Rabindranath Tagore is the symbol of China-India friendship. He visited China in 1924. During the 50-day visit, he met with celebrities from all walks of life and delivered many speeches, which greatly promoted the exchanges and strengthened the friendship between the two peoples,” Wei said.

2024 marks the 100th anniversary of Tagore’s visit to China.

Stressing on trade with India, Wei said: “According to Chinese statistics, the bilateral trade between India and China is about 138.5 billion USD. In 2023 it was 136.2 billion USD. Due to different statistical calibres, India’s data may be different. But there is no doubt that China is one of India’s most important trading partners.”