On 75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations With China, India Announces Resumption of Tourist visas for Chinese Nationals to Strengthen Bilateral Ties

India has announced the resumption of tourist visas for Chinese nationals, signaling a significant diplomatic thaw in India-China relations following years of strained ties. The Indian Embassy in China will begin processing visa applications from July 24, 2025, marking a substantial step toward normalizing bilateral relations between the two Asian giants. The decision comes ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's anticipated visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit scheduled for August 31-September 2025. This development follows External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar's recent visit to China, which effectively ended the prolonged diplomatic isolation between the two nations.

The year 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China, providing an opportune moment for reconciliation. The resumption of tourist visas represents a concrete manifestation of this renewed diplomatic engagement. The high-level engagement gained momentum following the bilateral meeting between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Kazan in October 2024, which resulted in an agreement for complete disengagement of troops at the eastern Ladakh border. This breakthrough laid the foundation for the current diplomatic warming.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) expressed "satisfaction with the general prevalence of peace and tranquillity in the border areas, leading to gradual normalisation of bilateral relations." This assessment reflects the successful implementation of disengagement protocols that have maintained stability along the disputed border regions. The Chinese Foreign Ministry has welcomed India's initiative to improve bilateral ties. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated in Beijing, "This is a positive move. Easing cross-border travel serves the interests of all parties. China will maintain communication and consultation with India to facilitate travel between the two countries further."

Following the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra earlier this year, the decision to restart tourist visa services for Chinese nationals represents a second significant milestone in bilateral normalization efforts. Both the pilgrimage route and tourist visa services had been suspended since the Galwan Valley clash in 2020 and the subsequent COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. The improvement in relations is further evidenced by both sides' agreement to resume direct air services between the countries, which had remained suspended for nearly five years due to border tensions and pandemic-related disruptions.

During the 34th Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) meeting on India-China Border Affairs, both nations agreed to maintain regular exchanges and contacts on boundary-related issues through established diplomatic and military channels. This institutional framework ensures continuous dialogue and prevents escalation of potential disputes. Indian officials have also confirmed preparations for the upcoming Special Representatives (SR) talks on the India-China boundary question, scheduled to be held in India later this year. These high-level discussions will provide a forum for addressing long-standing territorial disputes and extending the boundary resolution process.

The resumption of tourist visas is expected to significantly boost people-to-people exchanges between the two countries, fostering greater cultural understanding and economic cooperation. Chinese nationals seeking to visit India can now apply through the Indian Embassy in China, following standard visa application procedures.

The developments in India-China relations demonstrate the opportunities for cooperation in various sectors. The normalization of travel arrangements is likely to have positive implications for trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the world's two most populous countries. One of the most significant positive changes would be a smoother process to one of the major pilgrimage destinations for Indian Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and more would be Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, in the region nestled in China’s territory- Tibet. Simply, this step will encourage Indian pilgrims to undertake the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, without any worries.