Vikram Doraiswami, India’s newly appointed Ambassador to China, formally handed over copies of his credentials to Hong Lei, Assistant Foreign Minister and Director-General of the Protocol Department of China’s Foreign Ministry, during a ceremony held in Beijing on Wednesday.

The event marked the official beginning of Ambassador Doraiswami’s diplomatic tenure in China. The Embassy of India in Beijing confirmed the development through a post on X, noting that the credential presentation took place on 7 May 2026. The move represents an important continuation of diplomatic engagement between India and China amid ongoing complexities in bilateral ties.

Before formally assuming office, Doraiswami paid homage to Mahatma Gandhi at the Jintai Art Museum in Chaoyang Park alongside curator Yuan Xikun. He also honoured Rabindranath Tagore at the Indian Embassy in Beijing, highlighting India’s cultural and philosophical heritage at the start of his assignment.

Upon his arrival in Beijing on Sunday, Doraiswami was welcomed by Charge d’Affaires Angeline Premalatha and Li Jianbo, Deputy Director of the Asia Department of China’s Foreign Ministry. The reception reflected the significance both nations place on the ambassadorial position during a sensitive phase in relations. Doraiswami had received his official appointment credentials from Droupadi Murmu in New Delhi, completing the formal procedures required before taking charge in Beijing.

As part of his initial engagements, he also met Upendra Dwivedi, India’s Chief of the Army Staff, to discuss geostrategic developments, bilateral cooperation, and ways to strengthen existing India-China coordination mechanisms. The discussion highlighted the diplomatic as well as strategic dimensions of his new role. Doraiswami assumes office at a time when India-China relations involve a mix of collaboration and strategic challenges. His tenure is expected to focus on maintaining dialogue, strengthening engagement, and carefully managing the broader bilateral relationship.