India Eases Visa Norms for Chinese Nationals

In a calibrated move that mirrors the slow but steady normalisation of ties between New Delhi and Beijing, India has revised its visa framework for short-term business visitors, particularly benefiting the rising number of Chinese nationals seeking entry for technical and industrial assignments. The overhaul comes even as India’s visa rules for Chinese nationals continue to undergo stringent scrutiny by security agencies.

According to people familiar with the development, India has witnessed a significant uptick in visa requests from Chinese professionals—many travelling for brief periods to install specialised machinery or oversee factory operations. Until recently, such applicants were typically issued long-term employment visas, commonly known as “E” visas, valid for six months or longer.

However, with both countries having reached an understanding in October 2024 on ending their prolonged military standoff in the Ladakh sector of the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the government opted for a more pragmatic approach.

India: Shift from Employment Visas to Business Visas

Officials said the government has begun issuing “B” category business visas for these short-duration technical visits instead of the more time-consuming E visas. These business visas—valid for brief periods—can now be cleared within three to four weeks, offering companies a smoother path to operational continuity.

This policy shift is technically applicable to all foreign nationals, but those aware of the matter acknowledge that Chinese applicants are set to be the primary beneficiaries, given that they constitute the majority of such requests.

Security Vetting Still Firmly in Place

Despite the procedural ease, authorities emphasise that all security vetting measures remain fully intact. The Union home ministry, along with the external affairs ministry and multiple intelligence agencies, continues to examine every application involving Chinese nationals with the same rigour as before.

A quota system—set by the home ministry—remains active for business visas issued to Chinese visitors, though officials declined to disclose the specific numbers.

“The home ministry, the external affairs ministry, and several national security agencies jointly assess these applications. The vetting has not been diluted in any way,” one official said.

India: A Thaw in Ties After Years of Freeze

India had nearly halted visas for Chinese nationals following the 2020 LAC standoff and the deadly Galwan Valley clashes. This freeze coincided with bans on Chinese apps, curbs on investment, and heightened sensitivity surrounding cross-border economic activity.

But 2024 marked tentative steps toward rebuilding trust. The two nations agreed to revive the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, reinstated direct flights, and eased tourist visa restrictions, signalling a quiet diplomatic recalibration.