The Indian government has made significant changes to the business visa rules for Chinese professionals making short-term visits. This step is being considered an important initiative towards normalizing the relations between the two countries amid the long-running tension in eastern Ladakh. According to government sources, the process of security assessment related to visa will remain the same as before, but now Chinese professionals will not have to depend on employment visa (e-Visa) with validity of six months or more as before. India will now also provide them short term business visas.
China will get direct benefits from changes in strict rules
Although this amendment will be applicable to all countries, Chinese professionals are expected to benefit the most. According to the new provisions, decisions on business visa applications will be taken within three to four weeks. This will provide special relief to those areas where Chinese machinery and equipment are used and regular technical support is required.
China called the decision a positive sign
In Beijing, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun welcomed India’s decision and said making cross-border travel easier is in the common interest of both countries. China wishes to continue dialogue and cooperation with India to further strengthen people-to-people contacts.
Recent efforts to normalize relations between the two countries
Several positive steps have been taken between India and China in the last few months:
- India to re-issue tourist visas to Chinese citizens after five years
- China starts visa approval for Indian tourists
- Resumption of India-China direct flights in October
- Agreement to restart Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
- Agreement on opening border trade and increasing investment
- Joint event to mark 75 years of diplomatic relations
High level diplomacy also intensified
During the meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in August, both the leaders had agreed to strengthen bilateral relations, find a “fair solution” to border issues and increase trade and commerce. Shortly thereafter, during the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to New Delhi, the two countries announced a number of steps to pursue stable, cooperative and progressive relations, including maintaining peace and tranquility on the border, restoring border trade and promoting investment flows.
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