Overview
- Indian missions across the world began accepting tourist visa applications from Chinese citizens earlier this week, according to people familiar with the move.
- The move expands a July restart that was limited to the embassy in Beijing and consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.
- Tourist visas for Chinese nationals had been suspended since 2020 following the LAC face-off and the Galwan clash that killed 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops.
- Officials describe the rollout as people-centric, with travel links rebuilding through direct flights resuming in October and plans to restart the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra next summer.
- The decision follows progress since the October 2024 disengagement and Modi–Xi understandings in Kazan, with reports also noting Chinese steps on trade such as easing rare-earth export curbs.