India has officially resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals after a five-year hiatus, marking a significant step in the gradual normalization of ties between the two Asian powers. The decision was announced on Wednesday by the Indian Embassy in Beijing through the Chinese social media platform Weibo, as reported by the state-owned Global Times.
China Welcomes India’s Decision
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun described the move as a “positive development” and expressed China’s willingness to collaborate with India to enhance “people-to-people exchanges.” This signals a growing intention on both sides to stabilize and rebuild diplomatic relations after years of tension.
Tensions Rooted in 2020 Galwan Valley Clashes
Relations between the two countries had sharply deteriorated following the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020, in which at least 20 Indian soldiers lost their lives. The incident occurred along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the disputed de facto border between India and China.
Following the incident, India had suspended visa services for Chinese nationals, imposed investment restrictions, and banned several Chinese mobile applications.
Gradual Recovery in Bilateral Ties
Though the pandemic initially suspended flights and visa services between both countries, political tensions kept those services on hold long after. However, since 2022, China has gradually resumed issuing visas to Indian citizens, indicating a slow but steady recovery in bilateral relations.
A turning point came last year during the Brics Summit in Russia, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines and agreed to improve communication and resolve outstanding issues.
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High-Level Meetings Boost Engagement
In June 2025, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met Chinese Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Sun Weidong in Delhi to discuss key bilateral matters, including the resumption of direct flights, data-sharing on transnational rivers, and enhancing “people-centric engagements.”
Between January and April this year, China issued nearly 85,000 visas to Indian citizens, showing a notable uptick in people-to-people interaction.
Visa Services Resume in Key Chinese Cities
According to the embassy’s Weibo announcement, Chinese nationals can apply for Indian tourist visas starting from 24 July in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The move comes just ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Defence Summit, scheduled in China this August.
Speculation Over Modi’s Possible Visit to China
With visa services back on track and diplomatic ties improving, media outlets are speculating that Prime Minister Modi may attend the SCO Summit—which would mark his first visit to China since the Galwan clashes in 2020.
The renewed engagement reflects cautious optimism and a commitment from both sides to address differences through dialogue and mutual cooperation.
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