PNN – New Delhi has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens after a five-year hiatus, according to a statement issued by the Indian Embassy in China.
According to the report of Pakistan News Network, the Indian Embassy in China published an announcement on its official Weibo account on Wednesday regarding tourist visas.
The announcement regarding tourist visas states that starting from August 2; Chinese citizens can apply for tourist visas to travel to India.
Relations between China and India soured after a bloody clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020, in which at least four Chinese and 20 Indian soldiers were killed. The two countries subsequently reinforced their military forces on the border and held several rounds of talks.
Following the deterioration of relations, India stopped issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens, until now, after years, this process has resumed.
Previously, there were whispers about resuming work and trade visas for engineers and specialists from the two countries, but they have always faced obstacles.
Following recent meetings between officials from the two countries at regional and international events in recent months and an emphasis on managing differences, it appears that New Delhi has decided to open its borders to Chinese tourists.
Chinese Foreign Ministry: This action is in the common interests of all parties
In response to India’s resumption of visa issuance for Chinese tourists, Guo Jiakun said: We have noted this positive move. Facilitating people-to-people exchanges is in the common interests of all parties. China is willing to stay in touch and consult with the Indian side and continuously improve the level of mutual facilitation of people-to-people exchanges between the two countries.