India reopens visas for Chinese nationals

India has resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese citizens worldwide, lifting a five-year freeze. India had suspended issuing visas for Chinese nationals following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. The step is being widely read as a clear signal of renewed diplomatic warmth between the two neighbours.

The decision follows the revival of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, seen as another important confidence-building measure. The pilgrimage, stalled since 2020, resumed in June 2025.

Diplomatic optics have also improved in recent months. On April 1, as India and China marked 75 years of diplomatic ties, President Droupadi Murmu and President Xi Jinping exchanged congratulatory messages. Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese Premier Li Qiang also joined the anniversary outreach, emphasising a shared commitment to stability and forward-looking cooperation.

Together, the reopening of tourist visas, the restart of the pilgrimage, and the exchange of high-level messages suggest a concerted effort by both countries to break the deadlock of recent years.

"China is now offering visa-free entry to citizens of 94 countries. Extending the same facility to Indian travellers would be a meaningful gesture of trust and goodwill, boosting tourism, business exchanges, and overall confidence," said Anil Kalsi, vice president of Travel Agents Federation of India. He added that such a move would likely be well-received in India and could lead to reciprocal steps, helping break years of diplomatic stalemate and opening the door to deeper engagement.