Chinese citizens can now apply for tourist visas to India for the first time in 5 years, a significant step towards warming relations between the two countries, previously frozen following a deadly border clash. The change came into effect on 24/7.

The Indian embassy in Beijing confirmed the reinstatement of tourist visas for Chinese citizens. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun called it "positive news," "in line with the common interests of both sides," and emphasized China's willingness to enhance dialogue with India to further facilitate travel between citizens of the two nations.

Chinese tourists pose for a photo in front of the Taj Mahal, India. Photo: Kaumudi

Chinese tourists pose for a photo in front of the Taj Mahal, India. Photo: Kaumudi

Tensions between India and China escalated in 6/2020 after a clash in the Galwan Valley resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Indian soldiers and more than 40 Chinese soldiers. Since then, both sides have increased their military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the de facto border between the two countries. The 3,488 km LAC was established after the 1962 Sino-Indian War.

Following the incident, India banned numerous Chinese apps, tightened investment regulations, and suspended direct flights between the two countries. Although both nations closed their borders to foreign tourists due to Covid-19, visa restrictions remained in place even as the world reopened.

China lifted tourist visa restrictions for Indian citizens in March, as both sides agreed to restore direct flights. India's reciprocal move has been welcomed by the tourism industry and citizens of both countries.

Sarvjeet Sankrit, director of the travel company Ghum India Ghum in Delhi, noted, "Inbound tourism is still struggling after the pandemic, so the reopening of the Chinese market is welcome news." He mentioned that before the ban, many Chinese tourists visited the Indian capital. "The tourism industry, drivers, guides, and hotels will all benefit," he added.

Kate Hu, a Chinese citizen living in Hong Kong, expressed her joy at the prospect of reuniting with her Indian boyfriend's family. "I booked tickets to India for his sister's wedding in April but couldn't get a visa. We even joked about getting married quickly just to get the visa," she said.

Pradeep K., a consultant in Delhi, considered the move "positive." He's excited about the prospect of visiting China "to see pandas." However, he questioned whether the government's removal of diplomatic barriers will change perceptions between the two countries' citizens, stating, "It remains to be seen."

India's resumption of visa issuance is part of a series of efforts to improve relations since a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia last October.

In January, the two countries agreed to resume direct commercial flights. Beijing also recently agreed to reopen the pilgrimage route to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet, a sacred site for Hindus, after a 5-year hiatus.

Earlier this month, Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi in Beijing, where the two sides "positively assessed recent developments, focusing on people-to-people exchanges," according to a statement from the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Anh Minh (CNN, Reuters)