New Delhi: India has moved to fast-track business visas for Chinese professionals, cutting down administrative vetting and aiming to issue approvals within a month. The measure comes as part of efforts to restore economic and diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Officials indicated that a previous layer of administrative scrutiny has been removed, reducing the processing time for business visas to less than four weeks. The change is expected to benefit Chinese companies operating in India, including electronics and solar manufacturing firms, which faced delays in bringing in technicians during stricter visa regimes.
China’s foreign ministry welcomed the development, calling it a “positive action” to enhance people-to-people exchanges and signaling a willingness to continue dialogue with India.
Bilateral relations had soured in 2020 following heightened tensions along the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh. The resulting visa restrictions reportedly contributed to around $15 billion in production losses as companies struggled to bring in Chinese experts for critical machinery installations. Firms like Xiaomi were among those affected by delays, which impacted expansion and project timelines.
The thaw in relations began taking shape in 2024 through sustained diplomatic and military dialogue, culminating in agreements on border patrolling and full disengagement from standoff sites at Depsang and Demchok by December 2024. The easing of visa curbs followed Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China earlier this year, during which he met President Xi Jinping and witnessed the resumption of direct flights between the two countries for the first time since 2020.
The decision to accelerate visa approvals was influenced by recommendations from a high-level committee led by former cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba. The panel is also reviewing investment restrictions that have previously hindered foreign participation in India’s economy, indicating a broader strategy to improve business ties with China while maintaining security oversight.
This move is expected to enhance trade, investment, and professional collaboration, marking a significant step in stabilizing India-China relations after years of disruption.
