India Reopens Tourist Visas for Chinese Citizens in Fresh Move Toward Normalisation

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi: India’s decision to reopen and ease tourist visa access for Chinese citizens marks another incremental step in reviving normal diplomatic and people-to-people engagement between the two countries. Foreign Affairs Expert Robinder Sachdev said the move reflects “one more inch of normalisation and harmony” in India-China relations, which have remained strained since the Galwan Valley clash in 2020.

Following the Galwan incident, India had halted the issuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals. A partial relaxation came earlier this year in July, ahead of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meetings, when the government allowed Chinese tourists to apply for visas— but only from within China at Indian embassies or consulates.

The latest step significantly widens access. Chinese citizens residing or travelling in third countries can now apply for Indian tourist visas at Indian missions abroad, making entry procedures more flexible for tourists, businesspersons, and professionals.