India Resumes Issuing Tourist Visas for Chinese Nationals After Five Years
India has announced it will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens, ending a five-year halt that began with the COVID-19 pandemic and continued amid border tensions. The move is a significant step towards normalizing bilateral relations, which have been strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes. China's Foreign Ministry welcomed the decision as a "positive move." This follows other recent thaws in relations, including the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and ongoing talks to restore direct flights.
Unpacked:
The halt began with the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, as countries globally restricted travel to control the virus. It continued due to heightened border tensions, especially after the violent Galwan Valley clashes between Indian and Chinese troops in June 2020, which severely strained diplomatic and people-to-people ties.
The Galwan Valley clashes in June 2020 resulted in the first combat fatalities between Indian and Chinese soldiers in decades, sharply escalating military and diplomatic tensions. The incident led to border standoffs, trade restrictions, and a freeze on several forms of exchange, further souring bilateral relations.
Tourism promotes mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and people-to-people ties, which are vital for easing mistrust and fostering goodwill between the two nations. Increased tourism can help normalize relations, encourage dialogue, and build a foundation for long-term cooperation and peaceful coexistence.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a Hindu pilgrimage to sites in Tibet, China, considered sacred in Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. Its resumption signals improved cooperation and trust, as it requires coordination on visas, security, and border access, reflecting a willingness to engage despite lingering disputes.