For the first time in five years, India will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals starting July 24, 2025, according to an announcement by the Indian Embassy in China.
The decision marks a step toward rebuilding people-to-people ties between the two nations, which have remained strained since the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020 and the suspension of direct flights and pilgrimages such as the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The development follows a series of high-level diplomatic engagements, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping’s meeting in Kazan in October. Both sides agreed to take people-centric steps to stabilise relations and enhance mutual understanding.
India and China are also preparing to mark the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic ties in 2025, with a renewed focus on cooperation and public diplomacy. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed plans to resume dialogue on hydrological data sharing and trans-border river cooperation.
Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited China for the first time in five years, signalling intent to reinvigorate bilateral dialogue.
While challenges persist, including ongoing trade tensions and China’s recent support for Pakistan during border clashes, this visa decision is seen as a cautious yet positive step toward normalising relations between Asia’s two largest neighbours.
