Indian Diaspora in China Raises Concerns at Embassy Open House

NEW DELHI: Members of the Indian diaspora in China raised concerns over anti-India content on Chinese social media, declining work visas and employment restrictions for spouses during an Open House hosted by the Indian Embassy in Beijing. The outreach event, held on Friday, had Indian Ambassador Vikram Doraiswami and senior embassy officials interact with professionals from across sectors on issues affecting the Indian community in China. Participants flagged what they described as a growing trend of abusive posts targeting Indians, including comments on Indian culture and food habits, besides raising concerns over the declining number of work visas being issued by Chinese authorities and difficulties faced by spouses seeking employment, reported PTI. Addressing the gathering, Doraiswami said Chinese authorities were aware of the increase in such online content and were taking measures to curb it. He added that the embassy was responding by pushing verified, fact-based information through its official social media channels.

The ambassador also announced that documentation requirements for Chinese citizens applying for Indian visas would be eased from next week to encourage greater travel to India. Seeking to improve support for the Indian community, the embassy is working on a legal assistance framework for professionals facing workplace-related issues in China and plans to institutionalise the Open House as a regular forum for addressing consular and community concerns. Doraiswami also said the mission would expand cultural outreach programmes, including events such as the Vasant Mela, to promote India's cultural diversity and cuisine. The interaction comes amid efforts by New Delhi and Beijing to stabilise bilateral relations, with Doraiswami, who assumed charge in May, stepping up diplomatic engagement with Chinese officials.