India Resumes Tourist Visas for Chinese Citizens: In a major diplomatic breakthrough, India will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens starting July 24, 2025, the Indian Embassy in Beijing announced on Wednesday. This marks the first time since 2020 that tourist access is being restored, signifying a thaw in relations between the two Asian giants after years of geopolitical tension and pandemic-related restrictions.
The move comes as part of a larger effort to normalize people-to-people ties and rebuild confidence, following a series of high-level diplomatic engagements between New Delhi and Beijing. The decision ends a five-year freeze on tourism visas, imposed in the aftermath of a deadly military clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Galwan Valley in 2020.
From Border Tensions to Diplomatic Progress
The 2020 Galwan conflict had plunged bilateral ties into a deep freeze. India retaliated by banning hundreds of Chinese apps, tightening foreign direct investment rules, and curbing passenger routes. China, on its part, suspended visa issuance for Indian nationals during the COVID-19 pandemic, later allowing only limited categories like students and business professionals.
While China reopened its visa services to most foreign nationals in 2022, tourist visas remained off the table for Indian citizens—until now.
The Indian government’s latest announcement is part of a broader effort to reset ties and move toward a “people-first diplomacy” approach. The move is also symbolic, considering the upcoming resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra—a deeply spiritual pilgrimage for thousands of Indians, scheduled to restart in summer 2025 after being suspended for five years.
Foreign Secretary’s Visit Signals Diplomatic Shift
The groundwork for this decision was laid in January 2025, when Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing. His two-day trip marked a renewed commitment to dialogue and rebuilding trust.
In a joint statement following Misri’s meeting with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, both sides agreed to resume multiple key initiatives, including:
- Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in summer 2025
- Direct flights between India and China
- Visa services for tourists and pilgrims
- Expert-level talks on hydrological data sharing and cross-border river cooperation
“These people-centric measures aim to bring stability and restore normalcy to India-China relations,” the Ministry of External Affairs said in its official release.
Xi-Jaishankar Meeting at SCO Adds Momentum
The momentum continued earlier this week when External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Council of Foreign Ministers in Beijing.
Jaishankar also held a one-on-one discussion with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, reiterating India’s firm stance on resolving lingering border issues and enhancing bilateral trust.
“Incumbent on us to address aspects related to the border, normalising people-to-people exchanges, and avoiding restrictive trade measures,” Jaishankar posted on X (formerly Twitter) after the meeting. “Confident that on the foundation of mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity, ties can develop along a positive trajectory.”
China Welcomes India’s Move
Responding to India’s decision to reopen its doors to Chinese tourists, China’s Foreign Ministry issued a statement on Wednesday expressing support for enhanced engagement.
“We welcome India’s step to resume tourist visas and are ready to further strengthen personnel exchanges between the two countries,” the statement read.
Why This Move Matters Now
This thaw in India-China relations comes at a time when both countries are trying to assert leadership in the evolving multipolar world order. With the Kazan meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in October 2024 laying the diplomatic foundation, the focus now appears to be on rebuilding trust through practical steps.
For the tourism sector and cultural diplomacy, this resumption of visas is a much-needed shot in the arm. Analysts believe this could pave the way for broader trade normalization and reduced friction in multilateral forums such as BRICS, SCO, and G20.
What Lies Ahead
While the decision to resume visas is a promising step, experts caution that true normalization of ties will require continued dialogue on border issues, removal of trade barriers, and mutual adherence to strategic red lines.
Yet, after five years of strain, this development signals a possible shift—from hostility to healing.
The resumption of tourist visas for Chinese citizens marks a hopeful turn in India-China relations, opening the door for deeper people-to-people engagement and potentially easing long-standing tensions. As both sides commit to a more constructive partnership, the focus now shifts to whether goodwill can transform into lasting peace and cooperation.
