The Indian government is now preparing to restart tourist visa services for Chinese citizens. These services were stopped about five years ago after the violent clash in Galwan Valley, which created deep tension in the relations between the two countries.
New Delhi: Relations between India and China, which have been tense for a long time, are now gradually showing signs of improvement. In this context, the Indian government is preparing to restart the tourist visa service for Chinese citizens. This step is being taken after almost five years, when many types of services between the two countries were stopped after the violent clash in Galwan Valley in 2020.
Visa service resumption: sign of softening in relations
According to sources, India may soon start issuing tourist visas for Chinese citizens. This decision is being taken at a time when efforts towards normalizing diplomatic and economic relations between the two countries have intensified. Experts believe that the resumption of visa services is not limited to travel convenience only, but it is a broader strategic gesture which is a step towards restoring trust between the two countries.
The clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Galwan Valley in June 2020 had seriously affected relations between the two countries. After this, India suspended visa services for Chinese citizens due to security and diplomatic reasons. After this incident, trade, tourism and cultural exchange were also affected. However, in the last few months, several rounds of military and diplomatic talks have taken place between the two countries, due to which tension has reduced.
On which areas will the new rules apply?
Ahead of the possible resumption of visa services, India and China have taken some important steps. It has been decided to restart direct flights between the two countries, which will increase people-to-people contact. Apart from this, the long stalled Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has also been reinstated. This journey is not only important from the religious point of view, but is also considered a symbol of cultural bonding in India-China relations.
The proposed visa policy may apply mainly to travelers from mainland China as well as Hong Kong and Macau. However, final guidelines regarding visa process and conditions are yet to be issued.
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