I asked what drew them to this particular venue, and their answer was straightforward: they wanted to understand the secret to the CPC's enduring success.

From just over 50 members in 1921, the CPC has grown into the world's largest ruling party, with over 100 million members.

Under the party's leadership, we blazed our own path: socialism with Chinese characteristics. In a few decades, China accomplished industrialisation that took Western countries several centuries to achieve. The party achieved the twin miracles of rapid economic growth and long-term social stability. President Xi Jinping has outlined six defining strengths of the party.

First, dedication to the pursuit of truth: The party upholds a strategic vision grounded in emancipating the mind, seeking truth from facts, advancing with the times, and remaining practical. Marxism is not dogma. It is continuously adapted to China's conditions and integrated with fine traditional culture. Since the 18th CPC National Congress in 2012, the Party Central Committee has focused on one question: what kind of Marxist ruling party should the CPC be, and how should it be built? The answer is the Xi Jinping Thought on Party Building, which ensures the party remains fit for long-term governance.

Second, a deep bond with the people: "The country is the people, and the people are the country." Putting people first is the source of our achievements. We stand, think, and work with the people - a foundation no storm can shake.

This people-centred mandate guides every policy. In eight years, over 255,000 teams and 3 million officials worked village by village, and we lifted nearly 100 million people and 832 poor counties out of absolute poverty. The World Bank called it "historically unprecedented". We have built the world's largest education, social security, and healthcare systems: 1 billion with pensions, 95% with medical insurance, and life expectancy 78.2 years.

Third, determination to shoulder historical missions: We align long-term goals with phased milestones through consecutive five-year plans, pooling resources for major projects to ensure steady progress. A core strength of our system is that we compete for the next generation, not the next election. This enables continuous leadership and avoids disruptions.

From the First Five-Year Plan in 1953 to the 15th this year, successive leaderships have carried the work forward, avoiding disruptive policy reversals and delivering tangible, long-term results.

Fourth, readiness to follow the trend of development: We focus on embracing change and driving innovation by aligning national progress with global trends such as economic globalisation and the green transition.

President Xi has put forward a philosophy of innovative, coordinated, green, open, and shared development, highlighting that "lucid waters and lush mountains are invaluable assets".

The focus has shifted from GDP growth to high-quality, green development. China aims for "AI for good" that is safe, reliable, and equitable, while opposing technological hegemony and supporting technologies that benefit all humanity.

Fifth, courage and capability to overcome problems: We demonstrate courage and capability in overcoming crises, responding with resolve to challenges such as disasters, financial risks, and national reunification. We firmly confronted U.S. tariffs, advanced core technologies amidst tech blockades, and maintained stable supply chains despite calls for decoupling.

Regarding reunification, we are unwavering in our commitment to defeat "Taiwan independence" with zero compromise while promoting cross-Strait conversation.

Sixth, commitment to self-strengthening: Our party emphasises self-strengthening. It takes a good blacksmith to make good steel, so we pursue rigorous self-examination and self-revolution.

Committed to fighting corruption, we put 1.4 billion citizens first. From "big tigers" to "flies", no one is exempt. We enforce strict, law-based accountability at all levels. China's anti-corruption drive reaches top military and government ranks. It supports equitable development, social stability, and offers a reference for global anti-corruption efforts.

The story between China and India: The China-India story is rooted in shared struggle and solidarity. The Indian Medical Mission went to China to treat the injured during the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression, and its doctors like Dwarkanath Kotnis and B. K. Basu are still spoken of with deep gratitude in China.

In 1950, India was the first non-socialist country to recognise the PRC and establish ties. Since then, we have championed peace and development - from opposing colonialism to jointly proposing the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence in 1954.

Despite differences, good neighbourliness and win-win cooperation remain central. As we pursue national rejuvenation, by supporting each other and advancing Global South modernisation, we can deliver mutual gains and contribute to a more peaceful, balanced world.

Xu Wei is the Chinese Consul General in Kolkata