Chinese Diplomat in Kolkata Urges Enhanced Air Connectivity with China
In a significant move aimed at strengthening bilateral ties, Chinese Consul General in Kolkata Xu Wei has emphasized the need for increased direct flight services between India and China. Speaking at the 2026 Chinese New Year Reception held in Kolkata, Consul General Wei specifically highlighted the importance of re-establishing direct air links between Kolkata and Kunming, a route previously operated by China Eastern Airlines.
Push for Kolkata-Kunming Direct Flight Resumption
Consul General Wei expressed optimism about restoring the Kolkata-Kunming direct flight, stating, "We are expecting more direct flights. We already have several direct flights. We are hoping for a direct flight from Kolkata to Kunming. It used to be operated by China Eastern Airlines. Hopefully, the direct flights will resume." This call comes as part of broader efforts to enhance connectivity between the two neighboring nations.
The Chinese diplomat welcomed recent visa relaxation measures by the Indian government, noting, "I'm very glad to see that the Indian government has already relaxed the visa restriction... but we want to see more Chinese tourists to experience wonderful, amazing India, especially West Bengal." He emphasized that improved air connectivity would facilitate greater people-to-people exchanges and tourism flows.
Cultural Expansion Beyond Kolkata Book Fair
Beyond transportation links, Consul General Wei revealed ambitious plans to expand China's cultural presence in the region. Moving beyond participation in the recently concluded Kolkata Book Fair, he outlined a comprehensive cultural outreach strategy.
"I want to have a much bigger space to showcase Chinese publications, Chinese culture," Wei explained. "Maybe we are going to hold some workshops, seminars... and also, I'm going to organize, say, a food festival, a film festival. I'm hopeful, I can get positive feedback and make it happen at the earliest time."
Celebrating Deep Cultural Connections
The Chinese New Year Reception itself served as a testament to the cultural bonds between India and China. Consul General Wei reflected on the "deep cultural ties" demonstrated through Indian youth singing Chinese songs and local performers showcasing Chinese martial arts.
"This demonstrates how close we are, shared by a cultural connection that bonds us," he remarked, highlighting the organic cultural exchanges that already exist between the two civilizations.
Strategic Importance of Enhanced Connectivity
The push for more direct flights represents a strategic initiative to:
- Boost tourism between India and China
- Facilitate business and trade exchanges
- Strengthen cultural and educational collaborations
- Enhance people-to-people contacts
Kolkata, as a major eastern Indian metropolis, stands to benefit significantly from improved air connectivity with Chinese cities like Kunming, which serves as a gateway to southwestern China.
The Chinese Consul General's proposals come at a time when both nations are exploring ways to deepen engagement across multiple sectors. The emphasis on cultural programming alongside transportation infrastructure suggests a holistic approach to bilateral relations that recognizes the importance of both hard and soft connectivity.
