India has restarted issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals after a five-year suspension due to border tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic. The decision marks a step forward in improving bilateral ties and boosting people-to-people contact between the two Asian neighbors.

Key Points:

• India resumed tourist visa services for Chinese citizens on July 24, 2025, after suspending them in June 2020.
• The suspension was imposed following the Galwan Valley clash and pandemic-related restrictions.
• Chinese nationals can now apply online and complete in-person verification at Visa Application Centres in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
• China’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the move and expressed willingness to enhance mutual exchanges.
• The resumption aligns with broader diplomatic efforts including air travel restoration and high-level talks to normalize relations.