- India inaugurates new Consulate building in Shanghai—the first relocation since 1992
- Ambassador Pradeep Kumar Rawat opens expanded 1,436 sqm Chancery at Dawning Centre
- Facility consolidates consular, cultural, commercial and administrative functions
- Consul General says move supports stronger India–China business and people-to-people ties
GG News Bureau
Shanghai, 8th Dec: India on Sunday inaugurated its new state-of-the-art Consulate building in Shanghai, marking the first relocation of its diplomatic mission in China’s financial capital in 32 years.
The upgraded facility, located at the Dawning Centre in the city’s Changning District, spans 1,436.63 square metres—more than twice the size of the previous premises. The new Chancery was inaugurated by Indian Ambassador to China Pradeep Kumar Rawat and will become fully operational from December 8, the Consulate announced.
Rawat said the relocation holds particular significance as it comes in the year India and China celebrate 75 years of diplomatic relations. He noted that Shanghai holds a unique place in India–China ties and is now represented by an international-class Consulate befitting the scale of engagement between the two countries.
Over 400 guests attended the opening ceremony, including diplomats, Shanghai municipal officials, and members of the Indian diaspora from cities such as Shanghai, Hangzhou, Ningbo, Suzhou, Nanjing, Yiwu and Keqiao.
Consul General Pratik Mathur reiterated the mission’s commitment to seamless services for Indian nationals and Chinese partners. Thanking the Ministry of External Affairs and local Shanghai authorities for their support, he said the expanded premises will allow the Consulate to consolidate its consular, commercial, cultural and administrative functions onto a modern, secure floorplate—enhancing efficiency and improving public service delivery.
Mathur said strengthening India’s oldest consular post in mainland China is strategically important, especially given the Dawning Centre’s location within the Hongqiao–Gubei foreign business corridor, home to several diplomatic missions and multinational corporations. Its proximity to the Hongqiao transport hub and the Gubei international community will further support India’s outreach across East China.
Reflecting India’s broader governance ethos, Mathur said the move aligns with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, ensuring inclusive and people-centric service delivery. The upgraded consular facilities, he said, embody this spirit by offering high-quality support to the Indian community and all stakeholders engaging with the mission.
He added that the Consulate’s expansion comes amid renewed momentum in bilateral exchanges, including recently resumed direct flights between India and Shanghai, which are expected to strengthen trade, travel and business links.
“As we step into this beautiful new chapter, let us together make this Chancery not just an office, but a vibrant hub of friendship, commerce, culture and people-to-people ties between India and the Eastern China region,” Mathur said.
