Indiahas begun issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens through its embassies and consulates around the world after five years, reports Hindustan Times.
Indian missions worldwide started accepting tourist visa applications from Chinese nationals earlier this week. People familiar with the matter confirmed the development, although there has been no official announcement.
This global restart goes beyond the limited reopening in July, when visa applications were accepted only in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Tourist visas had been suspended since the LAC standoff and the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020.
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‘ eople-centric steps’
Officials said the resumption of tourist visas is part of several “people-centric steps” agreed by both sides to stabilise relations. Direct flights between the two countries resumed in October after five years.
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Both sides have also agreed to restart the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra next summer, simplify visa categories for travellers and organise events to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties.
Embassies and consulates of both countries have already held commemorative activities. One official noted that these efforts are being taken “as guided by the leaders of the two countries”.
Recent development occurred after 2024 meeting
Dialogue picked up after India and China reached an understanding on disengaging frontline troops along the LAC in October 2024.
Following this development, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met in Kazan and agreed to revive diplomatic and military mechanisms to restore normalcy and address the long-standing boundary dispute.
Since the meeting in Kazan, India’s and China’s foreign and defence ministers, national security advisers and Special Representatives Ajit Doval and Wang Yi have held several rounds of talks.
These discussions have supported the revival of cooperation in areas such as border trade and economic coordination. China has also eased export restrictions on rare earth minerals, addressing one of India’s major trade concerns. |
