From Confrontation to Cautious Engagement
India and China, two of Asia’s most powerful neighbours, have experienced a turbulent relationship marked by deep-rooted border tensions and geopolitical rivalry. Relations reached a boiling point after the Galwan Valley clash in June 2020, which led to a prolonged freeze in diplomatic and people-to-people exchanges. Now, five years later, a significant thaw is underway. Starting July 24, 2025, India will resume issuing tourist visas for Chinese citizens, marking a step toward normalising bilateral ties.
The decision, announced by the Indian Embassy in Beijing, signals renewed diplomatic engagement after years of friction and is part of broader efforts to rebuild trust and cooperation.
Why This Move Matters
The reintroduction of tourist visas is more than just a bureaucratic step—it marks a symbolic and practical shift in India’s approach to China after years of disengagement. Following the Galwan clash, tourist visas were suspended, direct flights halted, and economic ties cooled as New Delhi responded to the aggression with military, diplomatic, and economic countermeasures.
Now, as both nations take cautious steps toward de-escalation, visa issuance has resumed, requiring applicants to fill an online form, schedule an appointment, and submit documents in person at visa centres in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou.
This decision follows recent high-level diplomatic engagements and reflects a mutual recognition that stabilising ties is in both nations’ interest.
Diplomatic Outreach Paves the Way
The announcement follows a two-day visit to Beijing by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, where he held talks with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong. The visit built upon an understanding reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping during their informal interaction in Kazan in October 2024.
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the discussions covered a comprehensive review of bilateral ties, and both sides agreed on several people-centric initiatives, including visa resumption, restarting the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, and holding an India–China Expert Level Mechanism meeting to discuss cooperation on trans-border rivers.
This engagement is part of a broader diplomatic thaw, which also included a meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and President Xi Jinping earlier this month in Beijing, on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit.
Jaishankar Emphasizes Border Resolution
During his meetings with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Jaishankar stressed the need for a “long-term, steady approach” to resolving outstanding border issues. He reiterated that normalising people-to-people exchanges and avoiding trade restrictions were essential to restoring bilateral trust.
In a post on X, Jaishankar stated, “Mutual respect, mutual interest, and mutual sensitivity are key to placing the relationship on a positive trajectory.” These remarks highlight India’s clear stance—diplomatic progress must be rooted in addressing core concerns, particularly along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Galwan Clash: The Flashpoint
The Galwan Valley clash in June 2020 marked the most violent confrontation between Indian and Chinese troops in over four decades. In a brutal hand-to-hand fight with makeshift weapons, 20 Indian soldiers were killed, including a commanding officer. China officially acknowledged four deaths, though independent reports suggest the number could be higher.
In response, India rapidly ramped up its military presence in Ladakh, strengthening its posture at key flashpoints like Pangong Tso and Gogra, and accelerated critical infrastructure projects, including the Darbuk–Shyok–DBO road to ensure logistical support.
On the economic front, New Delhi launched a series of countermeasures, including banning over 300 Chinese apps, restricting investments, and tightening technology-related partnerships. These actions were part of a broader recalibration of India’s strategic outlook toward China.
Tit-for-Tat Visa Freeze and Recent Reopening
While India initially cited COVID-19 as the reason for suspending tourist visas, tensions deepened when China delayed the return of around 22,000 Indian students stranded during the pandemic. In retaliation, India reaffirmed its visa suspension for Chinese nationals.
Only in January 2025 did both sides agree to resume direct flights between New Delhi and Beijing, and to reallow Indian pilgrims’ access to the sacred Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet—steps that paved the way for the current visa policy shift.
A Calculated Reset
India’s decision to resume tourist visas for Chinese nationals is a measured but meaningful step toward restoring normalcy in bilateral ties. While fundamental challenges—especially regarding border disputes—remain unresolved, the renewed engagement reflects a shared interest in avoiding prolonged hostility.
Rather than signifying full normalisation, this move highlights a strategic recalibration—India is opening the door to cooperation but remains cautious and firm on its core concerns. With diplomacy gaining momentum, both countries now face the test of whether they can translate these gestures into lasting stability and mutual trust.
(With agency inputs)
