India and China have taken a bold diplomatic step by removing the visa restrictions. This amendment will significantly speed travel between the two countries. Years of grassroots organizing and civil disobedience cultivated this moment. These are just a few key flashpoints leading to the 1962 bloody border conflict and deadly clash in 2020. Both countries, the first and second most populous nations in the world, are keen to develop their bilateral relationship. Their governments have already begun moving to restore direct air services and increase tourism.
China’s LAC extends over 2,100 miles (3,379 kilometers) and is the de facto border between China and India. Historically, this border has been the cause of much friction between the two countries. The recent lifting of visa restrictions is a sign and a signal of this new willingness to commit, engage and cooperate. Following his cordial encounter with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the 16th BRICS Summit in Kazan Russia, Chinese President Xi Jinping seemed eager to make amends. Both countries are indeed interested in repairing their relationship after this high level and important dialogue.
In March, China discontinued its tourist visa restrictions for Indian nationals. Just days later, on July 24, India announced that it was dropping visa requirements for Chinese nationals. This two-way action changes relations completely. It comes on the heels of tensions that flared high after a bloody 2020 skirmish in the disputed territory of Ladakh, which saw at least 20 Indian troops and four Chinese soldiers killed.
India’s foreign minister, S. Jaishankar, also pictured above, recently met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, in Beijing, indicating a willingness for higher-level diplomatic engagement. The Indian government had already clamped down on Chinese investments and banned dozens of Chinese apps over security allegations. Direct air routes between the countries had been suspended, cutting them off from one another even more severely.
Following these landmark announcements, both countries are set to be re-connected with regularly scheduled direct commercial flights as of January. After five years, China has again reopened Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in western Tibet to Indian pilgrims. This decision opens the door for energetic, creative cultural exchanges to flourish in our communities again.
Equally overjoyed have been Chinese nationals at the easing of travel restrictions. Kate Hu, a Chinese citizen who had previously considered marrying solely to obtain a visa to visit India, remarked:
“We have labor, markets, manufacturing abilities and a fondness for food, tea, electronics that connect people of both countries.”
Only some travelers were able to take advantage of the old restrictions. Saurabhi Singh, a Delhi-based teacher, lamented:
“Inbound tourism is going through a tough period post-Covid, so it is good for us that another market has opened,” said Sarvjeet Sankrit, founder of Ghum India Ghum. “This is a good thing for vehicle owners, guides, and hotel owners. Everyone will get more business.”
The easing of restrictions comes as both nations seek to focus on common interests and promote tourism. Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, noted:
“We had talked about getting married just to have the visa, so now I’m happy to hear I won’t have to get married just for a visa.”
The reopening of travel routes between India and China marks a crucial return to communication between the two countries. As they work to mend their historically fraught relationship, the recent diplomatic engagements herald a new era of potential collaboration.
“If this (news) had come out sooner, then I could have gone with him.”
The easing of restrictions comes as both nations seek to focus on common interests and promote tourism. Guo Jiakun, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry, noted:
“China is willing to maintain communication and consultation with India to continuously improve the level of facilitation of personnel exchanges between the two countries.”
The restoration of travel avenues between India and China reflects an important step towards cooperation between these two nations. As they work to mend their historically fraught relationship, the recent diplomatic engagements herald a new era of potential collaboration.
