In a significant step towards mending bilateral relations, India has expanded tourist visa services for Chinese nationals worldwide, with embassies and consulates commencing the processing of applications. This move signals a thaw in relations that were strained following a military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The decision to reinstate tourist visas for Chinese citizens applying through Indian missions globally was implemented earlier this week, though no formal announcement has yet been issued. This development follows India's initial resumption of tourist visas in July for Chinese travelers through its missions in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. Visa services had been suspended in 2020 after the border clash, which escalated with the violent confrontation in the Galwan Valley, resulting in casualties on both sides and pushing bilateral ties to their lowest point in decades.
Officials have indicated that this reopening of global tourist visa access is part of a broader series of "people-centric steps" jointly undertaken by India and China to rebuild trust. These steps aim to encourage people-to-people contact and foster a gradual reset in bilateral relations.
The resumption of direct flights in October, after a nearly five-year suspension, marked a key milestone. Furthermore, both countries have agreed to restart the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, ease visa processes for various traveler categories, and commemorate 75 years of diplomatic engagement. These initiatives align with guidance from both nations' leadership to rebuild people-to-people exchanges.
Momentum toward stabilizing ties has been growing since 2024 when India and China reached an understanding on disengaging frontline forces along critical points of the LAC. A subsequent meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan set the stage for restoring communication mechanisms and addressing long-standing issues, including the border dispute.
Since the disengagement deal, India's National Security Advisor and China's Foreign Minister have held multiple discussions as Special Representatives on the boundary dispute. Engagements between both sides' foreign and defense ministers have also contributed to fresh cooperation across areas including border trade and economic matters. China has also moved to address India's concerns over trade imbalances by easing certain export restrictions on rare earth minerals, signaling a willingness to reduce friction.
The Indian tourism industry is optimistic about the potential resurgence of Chinese tourists, expecting it to contribute to economic growth and strengthen ties between the two nations. In 2019, before the suspension of visas, India saw 339,442 Chinese tourists.
While the resumption of tourist visas is a positive step, some Chinese travel agencies have noted relatively high thresholds for visa applications compared to destinations with visa-free entry policies for Chinese citizens. Previously, applicants had to apply in person in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou and submit bank statements from the last six months showing a minimum balance. It remains to be seen whether these requirements will be adjusted to attract more tourists. Some experts suggest reinstating e-visas to attract more Chinese tourists.
