- विज्ञापन -
New Delhi: India and China are making efforts to mend their tense relationship, including plans to renew the issuance of visas for Chinese tourists. According to a report by Reuters, India is set to start issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens again for the first time in five years, beginning from Thursday, July 24.
The Indian Embassy in Beijing confirmed this move, stating that starting July 24, 2025, Chinese nationals can apply for a tourist visa to visit India. The process involves filling out an online application form, printing it, scheduling an appointment through a web link, and submitting the necessary documents—such as a passport and visa application form—at the Indian Visa Application Center.
Tourist visas were halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, in April 2022, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) announced that all tourist visas for Chinese nationals would no longer be valid, a measure perceived as a retaliatory response after China restricted the re-entry of approximately 22,000 Indian students amid the pandemic.
There has been a positive shift in Indo-China relations recently. Earlier this year, both countries made progress by withdrawing troops from the last disputed areas in eastern Ladakh, ending over four years of stand-off. Additionally, they announced plans to restart direct commercial flights between Beijing and Delhi in January 2025. Following a visit by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to China, it was also agreed to reopen Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet for Indian pilgrims this year.
Most recently, Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar visited China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) foreign ministers’ meeting, signaling ongoing diplomatic efforts to improve relations.
