• India will start issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals from July 24, the first time in five years.
• The move signals improving diplomatic relations between India and China after years of tension.
• Chinese Foreign Ministry describes the visa resumption as a "positive move" for people-to-people exchanges.

India announced it will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals starting from July 24, 2023, which is the first time since a five-year hiatus caused by geopolitical tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian embassy in Beijing stated that applicants must complete an online form and make an in-person appointment at designated embassies and consulates, including locations in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, according to SCMP, Dawn, and Anadolu Agency.

This decision comes in light of a thaw in relations following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, in which 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers died, leading to the suspension of visa services by India. The resumption of visas marks a significant step toward improving bilateral ties, further buoyed by meetings between leaders from both nations. China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun referred to the resumption as a "positive move" aimed at facilitating exchanges between the countries, as noted by BBC and Channel News Asia.

Despite this progress, concerns remain regarding the visa application process, which currently requires documents such as bank statements showing a minimum balance, described by analysts as "relatively high thresholds.” An opinion piece from the Global Times emphasized the need for India to streamline its visa policies to reflect global standards for cross-border travel. This sentiment is echoed in observations from officials regarding the importance of mutual trust and easing restrictions for tourists, according to Channel News Asia and BBC.

Overall, the resumption of tourist visas for Chinese nationals signals a renewed commitment from both countries to improve diplomatic engagement. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's planned attendance at the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin, his first visit to China since 2018, may further bolster these diplomatic efforts, reflected in recent high-level discussions between government officials, according to Dawn and SCMP.