India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals after a five-year suspension, marking a step toward easing tensions between the two countries.
The Indian embassy in Beijing announced the decision on Weibo, a popular Chinese social media platform, according to China’s state-run Global Times.
Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun welcomed the move, calling it a “positive development” and expressing willingness to improve people-to-people exchanges with India.
India halted visa issuance, banned Chinese apps, and restricted Chinese investments after the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in 2020, which left at least 20 Indian soldiers dead.
The clash occurred along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the disputed border between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, spanning over 3,440 km.
Bilateral visa and flight services were suspended during the pandemic, and remained frozen due to heightened tensions after the border conflict.
Relations have gradually improved since 2022, when China resumed issuing visas to Indian nationals, and further progress followed high-level talks last year.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping met on the sidelines of the 2023 BRICS summit in Russia, where they agreed to enhance communication and resolve differences.
In June 2025, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri held talks with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong in New Delhi, focusing on restoring direct flights and improving cooperation on regional issues.
Between January and April 2025, China issued 85,000 visas to Indian citizens, highlighting a revival in bilateral travel and exchanges.
The Indian embassy stated that from 24th of July Chinese citizens can apply for tourist visas in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
The timing of the announcement coincides with the upcoming SCO defence summit in China, scheduled for August, amid speculation that PM Modi might attend—a potential first visit since 2020.
