India has fully reopened tourist visas for Chinese citizens at its embassies and consulates worldwide, marking a significant step in the ongoing efforts to stabilise relations after years of tension along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). According to people familiar with the matter, the decision was implemented earlier this week, although no formal announcement has been issued.
This development comes four months after India first resumed tourist visas for Chinese nationals in July, allowing applications through the Indian embassy in Beijing and the consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong. Visa services were suspended in 2020 following the military standoff along the LAC and the violent Galwan Valley clash that resulted in casualties on both sides.
Strengthening people-to-people engagement
Officials noted that the reopening of global tourist visa access is part of a broader set of “people-centric steps” taken jointly by India and China to rebuild trust. One key milestone was the resumption of direct flights between the two countries in October, ending a nearly five-year suspension.
Additional steps include the agreement to restart the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, enhanced visa facilitation for multiple traveller categories and commemorations marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. These initiatives, officials said, are aligned with guidance from the leadership of both nations to rebuild people-to-people exchanges.
Progress in diplomatic and security dialogue
Momentum toward stabilising 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 several communication mechanisms and addressing long-standing issues, including the border dispute.
Since then, multiple engagements have taken place between foreign ministers, defence ministers, national security advisers and Special Representatives — NSA Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. These discussions have led to progress in diverse areas ranging from border trade to economic cooperation.
Economic concerns and future cooperation
China has recently taken steps to address some of India’s trade-related concerns, including matters related to export restrictions on rare earth minerals. Both sides have expressed interest in expanding stable and mutually beneficial cooperation as diplomatic channels continue to strengthen.
By reopening tourist visas worldwide for Chinese citizens, India signals its commitment to restoring normalcy, enhancing cross-border engagement and supporting a gradual reset in bilateral relations.
