India eases business visa process for Chinese nationals
What's the story
India has simplified the process of issuing business visas to Chinese professionals, a move that China has welcomed as a "positive" step. The decision is expected to boost trade and investment relations between the two countries by facilitating travel for Chinese businessmen visiting India. The development comes after India's recent resumption of tourist visa issuance to Chinese nationals after over five years.
Diplomatic response
China welcomes India's decision
China's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun welcomed India's decision to expedite business visas for Chinese professionals. "We've noted this positive move," he said at a media briefing. He added that easing cross-border travel "serves the common interests of all parties," and that China will continue communication with India to further facilitate people-to-people exchanges.
Administrative changes
Visa approval times reduced to less than a month
The Indian government has cut red tape to speed up business visas for Chinese professionals, two officials said. The move is aimed at boosting ties between the two countries and ending chronic delays that have cost billions of dollars due to a shortage of technicians. India has removed a layer of bureaucratic scrutiny and reduced visa approval times to less than a month.
Impact on industry
Visa issues previously caused production losses
The tougher scrutiny on visas had led to production losses of $15 billion over four years for Indian electronics makers, who import key machinery from China to make mobile phones. Major Chinese electronics companies like Xiaomi had struggled to get visas, impacting their expansion plans in India. The solar industry was also affected by a shortage of skilled labor due to these restrictions.
Policy shift
High-level committee recommended easing of restrictions
The decision to ease restrictions was recommended by a high-level committee headed by former cabinet secretary Rajiv Gauba. The move also aims to ease investment curbs on China that have hurt foreign investor sentiment. Pankaj Mohindroo, head of the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association, welcomed the government's decision as a collaborative approach and acceptance of their recommendations.