India resumed issuing tourist visas for Chinese nationals at its embassies and consulates around the world, signalling another step in efforts to stabilise relations after a years-long military stand-off along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), media reported.

People familiar with the matter told Hindustan Times that Indian missions globally began accepting tourist visa applications from Chinese citizens earlier this week. This marks a significant expansion of the limited resumption in July, when India reopened tourist visa services only at its embassy in Beijing and consulates in Shanghai, Guangzhou and Hong Kong.

Tourist visas had been suspended since the LAC face-off erupted in April–May 2020, followed by the Galwan Valley clash that resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops, taking bilateral ties to their lowest point in six decades.

According to the report, the latest move is part of a series of “people-centric steps" aimed at rebuilding engagement between the two countries. Direct flights between India and China, halted since early 2020, resumed in October. Other measures to normalise ties include plans to restart the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra to pilgrimage sites in Tibet next summer, expanded visa facilitation for a range of travellers and events marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations at missions on both sides.

Momentum picked up after India and China reached an understanding on the disengagement of frontline forces along the LAC in October 2024. Soon after, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Kazan, where they agreed to revive several diplomatic and military mechanisms to restore normalcy and address the longstanding boundary dispute. Engagements have seen progress in areas such as border trade and economic cooperation.

Source: News18