India has taken another major step toward rebuilding ties with China by reopening tourist visas for Chinese nationals through all Indian missions and consulates worldwide. The move signals a gradual return to normal diplomatic engagement after years of tensions triggered by the border confrontation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
People familiar with the matter confirmed that Indian embassies and consulates across the globe began processing tourist visa applications from Chinese citizens earlier this week. However, the government has not issued any formal announcement about the decision.
Tourist Visas Restored Globally for Chinese Nationals
India had suspended tourist visas for Chinese travellers in 2020 following the LAC standoff, which began in April–May of that year. The violent clash in Galwan Valley, which killed 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops, pushed bilateral relations to their lowest point in over six decades.
In July 2024, India first restarted issuing tourist visas, but only through its missions in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. The latest move expands that access to all Indian consulates and embassies worldwide.
Officials said on Friday that the decision fits into a broader set of “people-centric steps” that both sides agreed to in recent months to stabilise the relationship. These steps are aimed at restoring normal exchanges and rebuilding confidence.
Direct Flights Resume After Four Years
One of the most significant developments in normalising relations has been the resumption of direct flights between India and China, which restarted in October 2024 after being suspended since early 2020. Air connectivity had long been a hurdle for travel, trade, and cultural exchanges.
Officials also noted that visa facilitation for multiple travel categories has improved. These include business travel, medical visas, and entry for students and professionals.
Pilgrimage, Trade, and Diplomatic Events Restart
India and China have also agreed to resume the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra in the summer. The pilgrimage, which holds deep spiritual significance, had been halted amid rising tensions.
Both nations have also held events marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. These activities took place in embassies and consulates on both sides, symbolising intentions to maintain stable engagement.
One official explained that all these steps are meant to boost people-to-people exchanges “as guided by the leaders of the two countries”.
Key Diplomatic Breakthroughs Since October 2024
A major turning point came in October 2024, when India and China reached an understanding on disengaging frontline troops along parts of the LAC. This development helped pave the way for a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan.
Both leaders agreed to revive several key mechanisms to normalise relations and address the unresolved border dispute.
Since then, foreign and defence ministers, national security advisers, and Special Representatives on the border issue — NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi — have held multiple rounds of discussions.
These talks produced agreements on reviving cooperation in several areas, including border trade and economic issues. China also began addressing India’s trade-related concerns, such as easing export restrictions on rare earth minerals.
