Fluent Mandarin Ambassador: Vikram Doraiswami’s Embassy Tour Video Wins Praise in China

A video of India’s Ambassador to China, Vikram Doraiswami , giving a guided tour of the Indian Embassy in Beijing in fluent Mandarin has gone viral across Chinese social media, with many users praising his language skills and describing the outreach as a refreshing example of modern diplomacy.

In the two-and-a-half-minute video shared on the embassy’s Chinese social media platforms and X account, Doraiswami introduces viewers to the mission’s cultural, consular, economic and commercial wings while highlighting the deep civilisational links between India and China.

Standing beside a bust of Rabindranath Tagore , the envoy recalls the Nobel laureate’s historic visits to China and his call for greater understanding among Asian civilisations. Doraiswami says India and China, as two of the world’s oldest and most populous nations, share rich traditions in culture, art, music, theatre and cuisine.

Chinese media and online commentators have described the video as a successful exercise in “public diplomacy” and a sign of India’s efforts to engage directly with ordinary Chinese citizens. Several reports said netizens referred to Doraiswami as a “fluent Mandarin ambassador”, while others praised him as a cultural “ bridge-builder ” between the two countries.

The ambassador’s Chinese name, Wei Jiameng , meaning “one who forms an excellent alliance”, has also attracted widespread attention since his appointment in March. Many social media users welcomed his outreach and called for easier visa procedures, restoration of e-visa facilities and stronger people-to-people exchanges.

A career diplomat who previously served as India’s High Commissioner to the UK, Doraiswami studied Chinese during an earlier posting in Hong Kong and has long been regarded as one of India’s leading Mandarin-speaking diplomats.

His appointment comes as India and China continue efforts to stabilise ties after the 2020 Ladakh military standoff, with both sides gradually restoring visa services, connectivity and diplomatic engagement as part of a broader reset in relations.