In a move aimed at boosting travel and fostering better ties between China and India, the Chinese Embassy in India announced on Tuesday that it will extend the reduced visa fees for foreign nationals traveling to China until December 31, 2025. This step is part of the continued efforts by China to make it more affordable for visitors from India and abroad to travel to the country.
Reduced Visa Fees Continue Until 2025
As per the official statement, the visa fee for a single-entry visa will remain at Rs 2,900, while a double-entry visa will cost Rs 4,400. The fee for a six-month multiple-entry visa will be Rs 5,900, and for a 12-month or longer multiple-entry visa, the fee will be Rs 8,800.
For official group visas and group travel, each applicant will be charged Rs 1,800. This extension of reduced visa fees builds on cost-cutting measures first introduced last year and is aimed at further enhancing bilateral ties and encouraging travel and exchanges between the two countries.
Diplomatic Progress on the Line of Actual Control (LAC)
In parallel with the visa fee announcement, the Chinese Embassy highlighted the progress in diplomatic discussions between India and China. Both nations have made strides in resolving the differences that have lingered along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
According to the Indian Ministry of Defence (MoD), the two countries have developed a broad consensus to restore stability in certain areas along the LAC, a significant development in the ongoing dialogue process between the two neighbouring countries.
Strengthening Border Stability and Security
The statement from the MoD also emphasised India’s efforts to ensure stability and security along its borders. Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh had previously highlighted the importance of continuous dialogue in resolving disputes, pointing out that this consensus was an example of the positive outcomes of consistent communication.
In its year-end review, the MoD confirmed that the Indian Army is maintaining a “high state” of operational preparedness to ensure dominance along all borders, including the LAC and the Line of Control (LoC). The Army continues to conduct counter-terrorism operations and reviews potential security threats while bolstering infrastructure development in key border areas.
The Road to Peace and Cooperation
Both countries are committed to resolving their border tensions and working towards greater cooperation. With the visa fee reduction and continued diplomatic efforts to resolve border issues, there is hope for enhanced relations and mutual benefits for both nations moving forward.
The strategic cooperation in border security and the extension of visa fee cuts signal a positive shift towards a more open and stable future for India-China relations, with both sides prioritising peace and development in the region.
