India’s Diplomatic Push In China Gets Cultural Boost: CG Pratik Mathur Explores Growing Academic Interest

The engagement marked a significant moment in India-China diplomatic outreach, particularly in the field of higher education and civilisational studies.

Mathur also visited the Center for Gandhian and India Studies — China’s only centre solely dedicated to Gandhian philosophy.

Source : X/@IndiaInShanghai

Consul General of India in Shanghai, Pratik Mathur, visited Fudan University on June 25, where he was received by University President Jin Li, who holds Vice Minister rank in China. The meeting followed President Li’s recent visit to India, and offered both sides an opportunity to exchange ideas on deepening academic and cultural cooperation.

The engagement marked a significant moment in India-China diplomatic outreach, particularly in the field of higher education and civilisational studies.

CG @PratikMathur1 today visited Fudan University and met with University President Jin Li, who has recently visited India.

CG also visited the Center for Gandhian and India Studies and exchanged views with Center Director and renowned Sanskrit scholar Prof Eberhard Guhe.

CG… pic.twitter.com/fiAa56p2JV

— India In Shanghai (@IndiaInShanghai) June 25, 2025

Spotlight on Gandhian Centre and Sanskrit Studies

Mathur also visited the Center for Gandhian and India Studies — China’s only centre solely dedicated to Gandhian philosophy. Established during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China in 2015, the centre reflects a longstanding commitment to fostering cultural dialogue between the two countries.

During the visit, Mathur met with the centre’s Director, Prof. Eberhard Guhe, a respected Sanskrit scholar. The two discussed the growing interest in Indian philosophy and culture in China. “Sanskrit Studies are also carried out and more than 100 students are enrolled across 4 semesters,” the Consulate noted, highlighting the centre’s role in promoting classical Indian knowledge systems.

Dialogue with South Asia Experts

The Consul General also interacted with Prof. Zhang Jiadong and a group of scholars at Fudan University’s South Asia Studies Center. Their discussions centred around shared academic priorities and potential areas of research collaboration.

By engaging with multiple faculties and research centres at one of China’s most prestigious universities, Pratik Mathur’s visit not only strengthened India-China academic ties but also reaffirmed the mutual respect for each other’s cultural and intellectual traditions.