India-China Visa Resumption: Tourist Visa Revival

In a development widely seen as a breakthrough in regional diplomacy, India has resumed the issuance of tourist visas to Chinese citizens worldwide, ending a five-year freeze imposed after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Defence Expert Sanjeev Srivastava on Friday praised the move, describing the India-China visa resumption as a clear sign of warming relations between the two Asian giants.

Speaking to ANI, Srivastava remarked, “This is yet another constructive development in the India-China relationship. Reports confirm that India has opened its visa facility for Chinese nationals, allowing them to apply again for tourist visas.” He added that the step reflects a deliberate effort by both countries to steer the relationship toward stability and cooperation.

India-China: A Major Step After Years of Diplomatic Strain

The decision comes after a series of important diplomatic engagements throughout 2025. Officials familiar with the matter indicated that a July directive had already hinted at restoring tourist visas for Chinese citizens. The official rollout now marks one of the biggest confidence-building measures since the two nations began working to repair ties strained by border tensions.

The resumption of tourism follows the January 2025 agreement in which India and China committed to restarting direct passenger flights—a key enabler for people-to-people exchanges. This was followed by revived military dialogues and discussion frameworks on disengagement along the Line of Actual Control.

Modi-Xi Engagement in Kazan Set the Tone

Srivastava highlighted the significance of the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the SCO engagements in Kazan. Their dialogue, he noted, unlocked progress on multiple fronts including:

• Border disengagement

• Resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

• Greater diplomatic interaction

• Revival of air connectivity

“These developments clearly indicate that the India-China relationship is gradually returning to normalcy,” Srivastava said. “For two of the world’s largest populations, two major economies, and two influential powers in global affairs, a constructive partnership benefits not only their people but sends a positive signal to the international community.”

India-China: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumes After Five Years

In June 2025, India revived the iconic Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, allowing the first group of pilgrims to cross into Tibet after half a decade of suspension. Officials stated that reviving cultural and spiritual exchanges was a key priority for both governments.

Diplomatic Momentum Throughout 2025

The year 2025 has seen an extraordinary surge in engagement:

• April 1: On the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, Presidents Xi Jinping and Droupadi Murmu, along with PM Modi and Premier Li Qiang, exchanged warm congratulatory messages.

• July: External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visited Beijing and noted that relations were “moving in a positive direction” with renewed “strategic trust.”

• August: Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to New Delhi focused on de-escalation along the border and steps toward long-term normalisation.

• August 31: PM Modi made a landmark visit to Tianjin for the SCO Summit—his first visit to China in seven years—where he and Xi reaffirmed their intention to “view each other as partners rather than rivals.”

This layered engagement helped create the atmosphere necessary for the historic India-China visa resumption.

Commercial Flights Resume, Reinforcing Momentum

Another milestone arrived on November 10, when the first direct commercial flight between New Delhi and Shanghai landed after five years. India’s Consul General in Shanghai, Pratik Mathur, personally welcomed arriving passengers, calling the moment a symbol of renewed people-centric diplomacy.

The Indian Consulate remarked on social media, “Fair winds and clear skies! India emerges as a global hub as people-to-people ties grow stronger.”
The revival of flights is expected to significantly increase travel, business engagement, and academic exchanges.