India resumes tourist visas for Chinese citizens

India will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens starting 24 July 2025, marking the first such move in five years. This is reported by ANI, a partner of TV BRICS.

The announcement was made by the Embassy of India in Beijing and welcomed by China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs as a step conducive to easing cross-border travel and strengthening people-to-people exchanges.

Chinese nationals can now apply for tourist visas to India through designated application centres in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou after completing an online form and submitting necessary documents. This development coincides with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two countries.

During a meeting in Beijing on 14 July, Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar met with Wang Yi, Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China. They reviewed recent progress in bilateral relations and committed to advancing practical cooperation, including facilitating direct air connectivity and restoring cross-border travel. Minister Jaishankar also underscored the importance of cooperation on transboundary water issues, including the resumption of hydrological data sharing.

China's Foreign Ministry has publicly acknowledged the easing of visa restrictions as a “positive move” and expressed readiness to continue consultations with India to expand personal exchanges.

Guo Jiakun, Foreign Ministry spokesperson, reiterated Beijing's support for further improving travel facilitation and cooperation.

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