India resumes tourist visas for Chinese nationals, China calls it a ‘positive move’

The announcement came on a day when India and China held the 34th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in New Delhi.
India resumes tourist visas for Chinese nationals, China calls it a ‘positive move’
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In a development seen as a step towards easing bilateral tensions, India has resumed issuing tourist visas for Chinese citizens. Welcoming the move, China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Wednesday described it as a “positive move” and expressed its readiness to work with India to facilitate cross-border travel further.

“We take note of India’s resumption of tourist visas for Chinese citizens. This is a positive move. Easing cross-border travel is widely beneficial. China will maintain communication and consultation with India to further facilitate travel between the two countries,” said the Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson in a post on X.

The announcement came on a day when India and China held the 34th meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) in New Delhi on July 23. The two sides reviewed the situation in the border areas and expressed satisfaction with the general prevalence of peace and tranquility, leading to a gradual normalisation of bilateral relations.

The Indian delegation at the meeting was led by Gourangalal Das, Joint Secretary (East Asia) at the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), and the Chinese side was headed by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department of the Chinese Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

"The two sides reviewed the situation in the India-China border areas. They expressed satisfaction with the general prevalence of peace and tranquility in the border areas, leading to gradual normalization of bilateral relations. They agreed to maintain regular exchanges and contacts on issues related to boundary affairs at the diplomatic and military levels through established mechanisms," the MEA stated after the meeting.

The two sides also discussed preparations for the next round of Special Representatives’ Talks on the India-China boundary question, to be held in India later this year, building on discussions during the 23rd SR Talks and the 33rd WMCC meeting held in Beijing on March 25.

The Chinese delegation leader also called on Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri.

Earlier this month, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar had met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing during a call by SCO foreign ministers. Jaishankar conveyed greetings from President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi and discussed the trajectory of bilateral ties.

“Called on President Xi Jinping this morning in Beijing along with my fellow SCO Foreign Ministers. Conveyed the greetings of President Droupadi Murmu & Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Apprised President Xi of the recent development of our bilateral ties. Value the guidance of our leaders in that regard,” Jaishankar posted on X.

This marked Jaishankar’s first visit to China since the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020, signalling a cautious thaw in relations.

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