New Delhi: India has taken a major step to improve its relations with China by speeding up the approval process for visas issued to Chinese professionals. The new system aims to clear business visas in less than one month, offering relief to industries that have faced long delays in bringing in skilled technicians from China.
Officials said the earlier system created serious bottlenecks for sectors such as electronics and solar manufacturing. Many companies had reported production losses because specialised Chinese engineers and technicians could not enter India on time. The revised process is expected to ease these problems and support India’s wider efforts to strengthen its investment climate.
The move comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to China and the resumption of direct flights between the two countries. Both sides have been working to reduce tensions following the border clash in 2020 and are now showing signs of rebuilding economic and diplomatic cooperation.
India has also asked China for assurances that Indian passengers transiting through Chinese airports will not face any form of harassment or unnecessary checks. The request highlights the remaining trust gap between the two neighbours even as they try to rebuild ties.
In recent weeks, India has reopened global access for tourist visas for Chinese nationals, adding another layer of engagement to people to people exchanges. Analysts say these steps indicate a slow but steady thaw in relations that were strained for several years.
Despite the progress, both countries continue to navigate wider geopolitical pressures. India is adjusting its economic strategy following new United States tariffs that affect some Indian exports. At the same time, global powers including the United States are recalibrating their policies toward China in areas such as technology exports and regional security.
India’s decision to ease visas for Chinese professionals marks a practical shift toward cooperation, balancing economic needs with ongoing diplomatic caution. The coming months will show whether these measures lead to deeper stability in one of Asia’s most important bilateral relationships.