Spring has quietly arrived in New Delhi. In this vibrant season, I can’t help but reflect on my own youth. At the time, our understanding of the world was far less rich and vivid than it is for young people today. We could only get a glimpse of foreign countries through limited means such as books, newspapers, radio, and movies.
However, when I arrived in “Incredible India” two years ago, I found that China’s “new trio” of cultural products—online games, web series, and online literature—had become part of the daily lives of Indian youth. Trendy Chinese products such as Labubu are also emerging as new vehicles to express individuality and aesthetic tastes. Meanwhile, Indian yoga, delicious cuisine, and aromatherapy are gaining popularity among Chinese youth through TikTok and Rednote. All this has deepened my conviction that cultural exchanges can transcend mountains and seas, and illuminate the path of understanding and friendship between the young peoples of China and India.
Looking back on the history of China-India exchanges, young people have always been the most dynamic envoys. More than 1,300 years ago, Chinese Buddhist monk Xuanzang set out for India at the age of 27 in search of Buddhist teachings. Over 17 years, travelling more than 25,000 kilometres on foot, he brought back scriptures and ideas, building a bridge of mutual learning between our two civilisations. In 1924, Rabindranath Tagore visited China and engaged with young Chinese scholars, sowing the seeds of the civilizational dialogue. During the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, some young Indian doctors, such as Dr Dwarkanath Kotnis, joined the medical mission to China and devoted their youth to the shared cause of justice for the Chinese and Indian peoples. It can be said that in every chapter of China-India friendship, young people have always made their mark.
President Xi Jinping once stated that when the youth thrive, the nation thrives; when the youth are strong, the nation is strong. China and India together are home to more than 1.2 billion young people. With plenty of ideals, determination, confidence, openness, and global vision, young people are the most dynamic and creative force in our societies. They’re the pioneers in advancing the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation and realising the vision of “Viksit Bharat 2047”, as well as the backbone of China-India friendship. Indeed, the development of bilateral relations requires not only the strategic guidance of our leaders, but also the mutual understanding and affinity between peoples, especially among young generations. Therefore, I would like to share a few expectations for the young friends.
1. Be promoters of China-India friendship
China and India are neighbours that cannot be moved apart. It should be the right choice for both sides to be good-neighbourly friends and partners that contribute to each other’s success. Young people should have critical thinking and ask themselves, “What kind of relationship do we need?” and “What can China-India cooperation bring to our nations and to the world?” It is hoped that young people could tell the story of China-India friendship through concrete actions.
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2. Be contributors to China-India development
Both countries are at a critical stage of development and national rejuvenation. We shall achieve development through our own efforts, while actively pursuing mutually beneficial cooperation and supporting each other. Chinese and Indian youth can deepen exchanges and cooperation in fields such as artificial intelligence, digital economy, and green technology. They can work together to turn our innovative vitality into a strong driver of development for both countries.
3. Be champions of world peace
In a world of transformation and turbulence, unilateralism and protectionism are on the rise, and hegemonism and power politics prevail. China and India should carry forward the “Eastern wisdom” of peaceful coexistence and mutual learning, support each other in assuming the BRICS presidency, and jointly safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of developing countries. It is hoped that young peoples will contribute their youthful energy to China-India cooperation in the multilateral arena and to world peace and stability.
Renowned Indian philosopher Swami Vivekananda once said, “Give me a few young men who are vigorous and full of vitality, and I will change the whole country.” His words fully demonstrate that the strength of the youth is the power of the nation. The future of China-India relations will ultimately be shaped by the young generation of our two countries. Hopefully, young peoples from both countries will aim high and work steadily to jointly write a new brilliant chapter in China-India relations.
Xu Feihong is the Chinese Ambassador to India. Views are personal.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)