What happened: Starting July 24, 2025, India will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals—marking the first time since the 2020 border clash at Galwan when such visas were suspended .
Why it matters: This is a significant confidence-building move, part of a broader diplomatic thaw between the two countries, which have engaged in high-level talks since late 2024. The visa resumption follows other developments such as:
A border patrol disengagement agreement in October 2024,
Resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage starting April 2025, and
The restoration of direct flights in March 2025 .
Technical details: Chinese tourists can apply online, schedule appointments, and must submit passports in person at Indian visa centres located in Beijing, Shanghai, or Guangzhou .
Response from Beijing: China’s Foreign Ministry welcomed the move. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said Beijing will continue communication and strengthen personal exchanges with India .
Context: Diplomatic relations soured after the deadly June 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Since then, India had imposed investment restrictions and app bans, while China had limited business and student visas—but tourist traffic remained stalled until now .
Reopening tourist visas is a clear signal that diplomatic ties are warming, though ongoing negotiations on border demilitarization and direct flights will be essential to fully normalize relations.
