India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals through its embassies and consulates around the world. This marks the first reopening of such services since they were suspended following the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. The move signals a shift toward rebuilding engagement and restoring normal travel flows, showing that both countries are willing to move past the freeze that followed the border tensions.
The reopening aligns with broader diplomatic efforts to stabilise India-China relations. After years of strained ties beginning in May 2020, both sides have been working through dialogue channels. The momentum increased after Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met in Tianjin during the SCO leaders’ summit. Their conversations reflected an understanding that India and China are development partners and should prevent disagreements from turning into long-term disputes.
Alongside diplomatic progress, India is working on technical reforms related to visas for Chinese professionals. The government is designing a mechanism to speed up visa clearance for engineers and technicians involved in machinery and industrial projects. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is coordinating with the Ministries of Home and External Affairs, aiming to support companies dependent on Chinese-made equipment.
The government is also focusing on easing trade frictions by fast-tracking pending import approvals for goods coming from China and other nations. Many businesses have been waiting for certifications to be cleared to restart normal supply chains. DPIIT has requested detailed lists from companies regarding foreign manufacturer certifications that have remained stuck for years.
These resumed approvals will benefit a wide range of sectors, including electronics, steel, footwear, household items, raw materials, and other essential goods. Many of these items were held up due to heightened scrutiny and restrictions after the 2020 border incident. Clearing these backlogs is expected to improve industrial productivity and reduce delays faced by manufacturers.
India’s twin approach—reviving tourist visas and accelerating trade and technical processes—shows a broader intent to de-escalate tensions and rebuild predictable engagement with China. While challenges remain, these steps indicate cautious but steady progress toward restoring stability and cooperation between the two major Asian economies.