India Reopens Tourist Visas for Chinese Nationals

India is set to resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens starting July 24, marking the first time in five years that such visas will be available. This announcement was made by the Indian Embassy in Beijing on Wednesday, signaling a significant step towards normalizing travel between the two countries. The decision comes after a prolonged suspension of tourist visas, initially implemented in 2020 as part of measures to curb the spread of Covid-19.

Visa Application Process for Chinese Tourists

Chinese citizens wishing to visit India can now apply for a tourist visa by completing an online application. Applicants are required to schedule an appointment and submit their passport along with other necessary documents in person at Indian Visa Application Centers located in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The embassy emphasized that any passport withdrawal requests must include a formal withdrawal letter when submitted at the Beijing center.

Impact of Covid-19 and Diplomatic Tensions

Travel between India and China has faced significant disruptions over recent years due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent diplomatic tensions following the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. While China had resumed issuing visas for Indian students and business professionals, general travel remained largely restricted until now.

Efforts to Improve Bilateral Relations

The Galwan Valley incident had strained bilateral relations, bringing them to their lowest point since the 1962 war. However, through diplomatic and military negotiations, both nations have managed to de-escalate tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. In October last year, a disengagement agreement was reached for Depsang and Demchok, further easing tensions.

Future Prospects for India-China Relations

In recent months, both countries have shown a willingness to rebuild ties. Discussions have included initiatives to enhance people-to-people exchanges and the resumption of direct flights. Additionally, plans are underway to restart the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, which had been suspended due to the pandemic. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has expressed optimism about the positive direction of India-China relations, emphasizing ongoing efforts to normalize interactions between the two nations.