NEW DELHI, Nov 21: Chinese nationals can now apply for tourist visas for India through Indian missions and consulates worldwide as both countries take steps to rebuild ties following the resolution of the eastern Ladakh military stand-off.
India had resumed tourist visas for Chinese nationals in July. Visa issuance was earlier suspended due to the military stand-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh that began in May 2020.
This week, tourist visas for Chinese nationals were reopened at Indian embassies and consulates globally, according to sources familiar with the matter. Applications have already been received at the Indian embassy in Beijing and the consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong.
In recent months, India and China have agreed on several people-centric measures to stabilise and strengthen bilateral ties. These include the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, restoration of direct flights, commemoration of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, and visa facilitation initiatives.
Direct flights between the two countries resumed in October. Officials noted that these measures aim to promote people-to-people exchanges, in line with guidance from the leadership of both nations.
