A notable step towards improving India-China relations has been taken with the expansion of tourist visa services for Chinese nationals, allowing applications at Indian diplomatic missions worldwide. This move signifies a continued effort to normalize bilateral ties following the substantial military standoff that occurred along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The process began in July with a limited resumption of tourist visas, exclusively through Indian consulates in Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Hong Kong. The latest development, a quiet implementation earlier this week, broadens this access significantly. Visa suspensions were initially imposed in 2020, in the aftermath of the LAC border disputes and the deadly clash in the Galwan Valley, which severely impacted diplomatic relations.
According to sources familiar with the discussions, India and China have recently concurred on several “people-centric measures” aimed at de-escalating tensions and stabilizing their relationship. Direct flights, halted since early 2020, were successfully resumed in October. Key agreements also include the revival of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra for pilgrims traveling to Tibet, improved visa facilitation across various traveler categories, and joint celebrations for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations, with events already taking place.
These Facilitation steps are designed to enhance people-to-people exchanges, reflecting the vision of the leaders of both countries. The momentum for normalization was significantly boosted after India and China reached an accord in October 2024 regarding the disengagement of troops along the LAC. This was followed by a pivotal meeting where leaders agreed to re-establish dialogue through various bilateral channels to address enduring challenges, including the unresolved border issue.
Since then, a series of high-level engagements involving foreign and defense ministers, and national security advisors, have taken place. These dialogues have fostered agreements to resume cooperation in areas ranging from border trade to economic exchanges. China has also started to address India’s trade grievances, notably concerning restrictions on the export of rare earth minerals. These combined actions signify a careful yet firm approach to rebuilding a strategically important relationship in Asia.