NEW DELHI – India has simplified its visa process for Chinese professionals, cutting red tape and reducing approval times to less than a month. The move aims to strengthen ties between the two Asian giants and address chronic delays that have cost billions in lost production.
Officials said the government removed a layer of administrative scrutiny that previously slowed business visas. “We have removed the layer of administrative vetting and are processing the business visas within four weeks,” said one official familiar with the matter.
The visa bottleneck began after a border clash between India and China in 2020, when New Delhi blocked most Chinese visits and expanded visa checks beyond the usual ministries. The easing of restrictions follows Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China this year, where he met President Xi Jinping to discuss improving bilateral relations.
China’s foreign ministry welcomed the decision, calling it a “positive action” to facilitate people-to-people exchanges. Spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China is ready to continue communication with India to improve the flow of skilled professionals and business interactions.
The visa delays previously caused significant losses for Indian industries. The Observer Research Foundation estimates production losses of $15 billion over four years in electronics manufacturing, where Chinese machinery and skilled technicians are critical. Companies like Xiaomi struggled to obtain visas, impacting expansion plans, while the solar industry faced skilled labor shortages.
Industry leaders have praised the government’s move. Pankaj Mohindroo, head of the Indian Cellular and Electronics Association, said the decision reflects a collaborative approach and adoption of industry recommendations to expedite visa approvals.
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The policy change is part of broader reforms to attract foreign investment. India has also cut consumption taxes and eased labor laws, making the country more appealing for international businesses. Officials say these steps will help India scale up production across goods, components, and sub-assemblies, enhancing economic growth while cautiously improving ties with China.
