- By Soumyaroop Mukherjee
- Fri, 21 Nov 2025 05:33 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
In a bid to step up diplomatic relations with China, India is resuming the issuance of tourist visas for Chinese nationals at its embassies and consulates around the world. The move signals another major step in building diplomatic channels with China after years of military stand-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
According to the Hindustan Times, Indian missions had started globally accepting tourist visa applications from Chinese citizens earlier this week. This marks a significant expansion of the limited resumption in July, when India reopened tourist visa services only at its embassy in Beijing and consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
India had cancelled tourist visas for Chinese nationals after the standoff in the LAC area in 2020, following the Galwan Valley clash that resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops. The incident gave a major jolt to Indo-China relations, taking bilateral relations to the lowest point in six decades.
The latest move is part of India’s efforts towards a ‘people-centric’ approach, which aims to rebuild the tumultuous relations between the two countries. Earlier, direct flights between India and China were resumed in October, which had been on hiatus since early 2020. Other measures falling under this umbrella include plans to restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in Tibet next summer and extend visas for a range of travellers, commemorating the 75th anniversary of Indo-China diplomatic ties.
How Did Indo-China Relations Start Improving?
Diplomatic relations between India and China improved after both countries reached an agreement on the mutual disengagement of the border forces along the LAC in October 2024. Subsequently, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Kazan, where they agreed to revive the diplomatic channels and restore normalcy in the region.
Both heads of state also sought to restore the longstanding boundary dispute which has strained the relations over the years. So far, engagements have seen progress in areas such as border trade and economic cooperation.