In a significant step towards normalizing relations with Beijing, India has relaxed visa regulations for Chinese professionals, permitting short-term business visas instead of longer-term employment visas, officials said on Friday.
The policy change allows Chinese technicians and executives visiting for limited durations to apply for business visas, which are processed faster—typically within three to four weeks—by removing an additional layer of bureaucratic scrutiny. Previously, such visits required employment (“E”) visas valid for six months or more, leading to prolonged delays that hampered industrial operations.
Although the revised norms apply to all nationalities, Chinese professionals are expected to benefit the most, addressing longstanding complaints from Indian industries reliant on Chinese expertise and machinery.
The move comes as part of broader efforts to rebuild ties strained by the 2020 eastern Ladakh border standoff. Recent measures include the resumption of direct flights in October, restart of tourist visas for Chinese nationals in July, and facilitation of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Industry leaders have welcomed the easing, noting that visa delays had caused production losses worth billions of dollars in sectors like electronics, solar energy, and manufacturing. Companies such as Xiaomi and solar firms had struggled to bring in skilled Chinese staff for installation and maintenance.
China’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun described the decision as a “positive move” that serves the common interests of both sides.
Officials emphasized that security screenings for Chinese applicants remain in place, reflecting a cautious approach amid ongoing diplomatic recalibrations influenced by global trade dynamics.
This development follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China earlier this year—his first in seven years—where he met President Xi Jinping to discuss stabilizing relations.
Analysts view the visa relaxation as a pragmatic step to boost economic cooperation while maintaining strategic vigilance, signaling a gradual thaw in India-China relations.
