India has announced the resumption of tourist visa services for Chinese nationals starting July 24, 2025, marking the end of a five-year suspension imposed following the Galwan Valley clashes in 2020. The decision signals a potential thaw in relations between the two Asian giants after years of strained diplomatic and economic ties.

The Indian Embassy in China made the announcement through a post on Chinese social media platform Weibo, outlining the process for Chinese citizens to apply for tourist visas. Applicants are required to fill out the visa application form online, print it, and schedule an appointment before submitting their documents in person at designated visa centers.

Visa applications will be accepted at the Indian Visa Application Centers located in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. Applicants must bring their passport, printed application form, and other necessary documents to complete the process. The embassy emphasized that the application must be submitted in person and not through third parties.

The suspension of tourist visas was one of several measures India took in response to the deadly border standoff in Galwan Valley, which had led to heightened tensions between the two nations. India had also curbed Chinese investments, banned numerous Chinese mobile apps, and limited air connectivity. The resumption of visa services is seen as a cautious but positive step toward normalizing bilateral exchanges.