Mumbai : When two ancient civilisations meet through cinema, culture and conversation, the result is more than an exchange, it becomes a bridge of understanding. This spirit came alive at the China–India BRICS Dialogue & Chinese Film Screening, organised in collaboration with the Chinese Consulate in Mumbai.
Held under the theme “Bridges Built by Light, Mutual Learning Between Civilizations,” the event brought together students, academics, diplomats and cultural stakeholders to explore the role of cinema and cultural exchange in strengthening India–China relations. The screening of Nobody / Little Monsters of Langlang Mountain offered an engaging window into Chinese storytelling and cultural perspectives.
The event was graced by His Excellency Mr. Qin Jie, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Mumbai, who engaged with students and academics and shared insights on BRICS, BRICS Plus and the growing importance of China–India cooperation.
Speaking at the event, Prof. Dr. Pankaj Ramesh Natu, Director of the Prin. L. N. Welingkar Institute of Management Development & Research, said, “Cultural exchanges, cinema, student interactions and traditional arts deepen mutual understanding. Cooperation starts with people understanding each other.”
Highlighting the potential for stronger bilateral cooperation, he added, “India and China have tremendous opportunities in technology, education, pharmaceuticals, tourism and supply chains. We need a balanced and mutually beneficial relationship.”
Emphasising cinema’s ability to connect people across borders, Natu said, “Cinema can become a powerful bridge between India and China. It allows people to understand each other beyond borders.”
Addressing the gathering, His Excellency Mr. Qin Jie, Consul General of the People’s Republic of China in Mumbai, said, “Between China and India, it is also ‘we’. We work together, we share, and we create together.”
Speaking about the significance of bilateral cooperation within BRICS, he said, “Cooperation is the best choice between us, probably the only correct way between us.”
Mr. Qin Jie also highlighted the growing people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, including direct flights, university engagements, sister-city initiatives, business interactions and cultural programmes.
The dialogue highlighted the three important pillars of BRICS cooperation, political and security cooperation, economic and financial partnership, and cultural and people-to-people exchanges with the latter emerging as a key foundation for building greater trust and mutual understanding.
The participation of young students and academics further underlined the importance of creating spaces where the next generation can engage directly with different cultures, ideas and perspectives.
As India prepares to host the 18th BRICS Summit in New Delhi in 2026, the event reinforced the potential of India–China cultural and academic engagement to complement economic and diplomatic dialogue.
This ultimately carried a simple but powerful message: understanding begins with dialogue, and dialogue becomes stronger when cultures meet.