Visa Freeze Thaws Between India and China, Travelers Celebrate
India and China, the two most populous countries in the world and neighbors, have faced difficulties in allowing their citizens to travel as tourists to each other's nations in the past five years. However, this situation is now changing as India plans to issue tourist visas to Chinese citizens for the first time in five years, enabling them to visit each other freely. This move comes after a deadly border clash in June 2020 strained relations between the two countries.
Starting from Thursday, July 24, Chinese citizens can apply for tourist visas to India, as announced by the Indian embassy in Beijing. China's foreign spokesperson Guo Jiakun stated that this development is in the common interests of both countries, expressing China's willingness to enhance communication and exchanges with India.
The tensions between India and China have gradually eased in recent months following the deadly clash in the Galwan Valley in 2020, where casualties were reported on both sides. The Line of Actual Control (LAC), a disputed border between the two countries, has been a persistent source of friction since the 1962 war. The 2020 clash marked the first deadly confrontation in over 40 years along this border.
After the border clash, India took several measures such as banning Chinese apps and canceling direct air routes between the two countries. Both nations closed their borders to foreign tourists due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but visa restrictions continued even as global travel resumed. China had lifted tourist visa restrictions for Indian nationals in March, and now India's reciprocal move is seen as a positive step.
The decision to remove visa restrictions is part of the efforts by India and China to reset ties after high-level meetings between their leaders. The two countries have agreed to resume direct commercial flights, and China has reopened Mount Kailash and Lash Manasarovar to Indian pilgrims. The recent meeting between the foreign ministers of both countries emphasized the progress made in stabilizing and rebuilding ties.
Despite the ongoing tensions, there is a gradual normalization in the India-China relationship, according to experts. India's move to lift visa restrictions is seen as beneficial for the tourism industry and is welcomed by many. This step is expected to enhance people-to-people interactions and promote mutual understanding between the two countries.