Representatives from the two sides will be meeting again later this year in India to discuss about border issues, said India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
📌 What’s New?
🛂 Visa Resumption
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Starting July 24, Chinese citizens may apply for tourist visas to India, marking the first issuance since 2020. Applications are handled via Indian Visa Application Centres in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou Reddit+7ThePrint+7The Economic Times+7.
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Applicants must complete an online form, book an appointment, and submit in person with required documents Business Standard+2India Today+2The Tribune+2.
🌏 Diplomatic Significance
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The move coincides with a broader bilateral thaw, including resumed direct flights, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and high-level engagement between ministers Jaishankar and Wang Yi The Times of India+15ThePrint+15mint+15.
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It also precedes Prime Minister Modi’s expected attendance at the SCO Summit in China later this year The Times of India+2ThePrint+2The Economic Times+2.
🌟 Why It Matters
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First people-to-people step in five years: restores tourism, educational, business, and cultural ties that had stagnated.
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China welcomed India’s announcement, calling it a positive move toward scaling up personal exchanges Reuters+3The Economic Times+3The Times of India+3NDTV Profit+3Reuters+3The Times of India+3.
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India remains cautious, noting the need to resolve border issues and support de-escalation before fully normalizing ties Reddit+15Reuters+15mint+15.
🎯 Impacts & Considerations
| Area | Impact / Benefit |
|---|---|
| Tourism & People Exchanges | Enables Chinese tourists and visitors to resume travel to India |
| Diplomatic Messaging | Signals gradual confidence-building amid border tensions |
| Economic & Business Links | Opens door for greater bilateral trade visits and professional mobility |
| Security Watch | Visa norms will be enforced with scrutiny to guard against misuse |
🔭 What’s Next?
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Expansion of other visa types (e.g., business, student) may follow depending on diplomatic progress.
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Direct flights resumption under active discussion—expected soon between India and China.
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Upcoming Modi–Xi interactions potentially around the SCO Summit could unlock further normalization.
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More visa & mobility announcements from both sides may materialize in late 2025.
✅ Bottom Line
India’s decision to restart issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens from July 24, 2025, represents a significant thaw in bilateral relations. It offers renewed avenues for travel, commerce, and cultural exchange, while remaining anchored in cautious diplomacy and continued engagement on border de-escalation.
