India to Reissue Tourist Visas to Chinese Citizens, Signaling Diplomatic Thaw
New Delhi, india – In a notable move towards normalizing relations, India will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens starting July 24, 2025.This marks the first time in five years that such visas will be available, as announced by the Indian Embassy in Beijing. The decision signals a notable easing of tensions that have persisted since the 2020 border clashes between the two Asian giants.
This visa resumption follows a broader agreement earlier this year to restore direct flights, re-establish visa services, and recommence the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a vital pilgrimage for Indian citizens. These steps are intended to foster renewed confidence and stability in the bilateral relationship.
The groundwork for this diplomatic shift was laid through high-level engagements, including a two-day visit by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to China in january. During this visit, Misri and Chinese vice Foreign Minister HE Mr Sun Weidong comprehensively reviewed bilateral relations. As stated by the Ministry of External Affairs, they agreed to implement people-centric measures to stabilize and rebuild ties, aligning with discussions between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan.
Further cementing this progress, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar recently held discussions with Chinese President Xi Jinping during the Shanghai cooperation Organisation (SCO) council of Foreign Ministers’ meeting. In a separate meeting with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Jaishankar emphasized the critical need for a long-term resolution to outstanding bilateral issues.
“Incumbent on us to address aspects related to the border, normalising people-to-people exchanges and avoiding restrictive trade measures and roadblocks,” Jaishankar posted on X, expressing optimism. “Confident that on the foundation of mutual respect,mutual interest and mutual sensitivity,ties can develop along a positive trajectory.”
The agreement also includes plans for an early meeting of the India-China expert Level Mechanism to discuss the resumption of hydrological data sharing and cooperation on trans-border rivers.
This series of diplomatic overtures indicates a concerted effort by both nations to move past recent challenges and rebuild a more constructive relationship.
(More updates to follow.)