India to Resume Tourist Visas for Chinese Citizens from July 2025
India will start issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens again beginning July 24, 2025. This decision, announced by the Indian Embassy in Beijing, is the first of its kind in five years, as reported by various news outlets.
This development indicates a warming of relations between India and China, which have faced tensions since the deadly border clashes that occurred in 2020.
Earlier this year, the two nations agreed to take steps to improve their ties, including restoring direct flights and restarting visa services. They also plan to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, an important pilgrimage route for many Indians.
The recent agreements were achieved following high-level talks between officials from both countries. Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri made a two-day visit to China in January, which served as a sign of renewed diplomatic engagement between these two large nations.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs, the agreement to stabilize and rebuild ties was part of a broader discussion between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping during their meeting in Kazan last October. The officials evaluated the state of India-China relations and committed to actions that would benefit their citizens.
Furthermore, the ministry confirmed that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will also proceed in the summer of 2025.
Additionally, the two governments agreed to hold an early meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism, which is focused on the sharing of hydrological data and cooperation regarding rivers that cross their borders.
Building on this positive momentum, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar recently held discussions with President Xi Jinping during a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
In a separate conversation with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Jaishankar emphasized the importance of finding lasting solutions to ongoing issues between the two countries. He stated that it is essential to address border concerns, normalize people-to-people exchanges, and work towards reducing trade restrictions.
Jaishankar expressed confidence that mutual respect and shared interests will help the relationship move forward positively.
(More updates are expected soon.)
