India’s Ambassador to China, Vikram Doraiswami, has commended Indian community organizations in Hong Kong for their longstanding contributions to the city’s social, cultural and economic development, while emphasizing the importance of strengthening ties between India and Hong Kong.
During an official visit to Hong Kong on Wednesday, October 7, Doraiswami met representatives of the India Association Hong Kong and the Forum of Indian Professionals Hong Kong (FIPHK) at the Indian Consulate General.
The discussions focused on community welfare, cultural initiatives and opportunities to expand engagement between India and Hong Kong.
According to the Indian Consulate General, the ambassador recognized both organizations for their continued efforts to support the Indian diaspora and their broader contributions to Hong Kong society.
The meeting highlighted the important role Indian community associations play in preserving cultural heritage, promoting professional networking and strengthening connections between Indian residents and the wider Hong Kong population.
Hong Kong has been home to an established Indian community for more than 150 years, with generations of Indian residents contributing to the city’s emergence as a major international centre for finance, commerce and trade.
Over the decades, the community has become closely integrated into Hong Kong society while maintaining strong cultural and historical connections with India.
According to the Indian Consulate General, members of the Indian community have played important roles in the development of several prominent Hong Kong institutions, including the University of Hong Kong, Ruttonjee Hospital and the iconic Star Ferry service.
These contributions reflect the community’s longstanding involvement in education, healthcare, transportation, business and philanthropy.
As part of his visit, Ambassador Doraiswami also travelled to the Happy Valley Hindu Temple, which houses the Indian Soldiers’ War Memorial.
The memorial honours Indian soldiers who lost their lives during the First World War and serves as a reminder of the community’s historical presence and sacrifices.
During his visit to the temple, Doraiswami interacted with community leaders and discussed the Indian diaspora’s contributions to Hong Kong’s commercial, cultural and philanthropic sectors.
The conversations also explored opportunities to strengthen exchanges and cooperation between India and Hong Kong.
Earlier in the day, the ambassador began his official engagements by paying floral tributes at the statue of Mahatma Gandhi at the India Club in Hong Kong.
The Indian diplomatic mission said Doraiswami reflected on Gandhi’s enduring principles of peace, non-violence and harmony, emphasizing their continued relevance in contemporary society.
The visit underscored the significance of people-to-people connections in sustaining India’s relationship with Hong Kong, particularly through cultural organizations, professional associations and community institutions.
It also highlighted the Indian diaspora’s role in fostering mutual understanding, maintaining cultural traditions and contributing to Hong Kong’s multicultural identity.
Through his meetings with community representatives and visits to historically significant institutions, Doraiswami reaffirmed India’s appreciation for the contributions of its overseas community and the importance of maintaining strong connections with Indians living abroad.
