India Eases Business Visa Rules for Chinese Professionals

India has streamlined its business visa process for Chinese professionals, removing a layer of bureaucratic checks to accelerate approvals. Officials confirmed that visa processing times have been reduced to less than a month, compared to prolonged delays in recent years.

The move comes as Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeks to improve bilateral ties with China amid global trade challenges. This decision follows years of restrictions imposed after border clashes in mid-2020, which severely impacted industries reliant on Chinese expertise.

Policy Change and Implementation

The revised visa policy eliminates additional vetting that previously involved multiple ministries, including home and foreign affairs. Under the new system, approvals will be faster, reducing operational bottlenecks for companies dependent on skilled technicians from China.

Officials stated that the change is aimed at restoring normal business engagement between the two countries. The government has not disclosed further details on procedural adjustments but confirmed that the new framework is already in effect.

Background and Previous Restrictions

India had tightened visa scrutiny for Chinese nationals after the Himalayan border clash in mid-2020, virtually halting business travel. The earlier process required clearance from several ministries, causing delays of several months.

These restrictions disrupted supply chains and slowed expansion plans for electronics and renewable energy sectors. The recent policy shift marks the first major relaxation since those measures were introduced.

Economic Impact of Delays

Industry estimates suggest that prolonged visa delays cost Indian electronics manufacturers approximately $15 billion in lost production over four years. Companies importing machinery from China faced severe challenges in maintaining output levels.

Major firms such as Xiaomi struggled to secure visas for technical staff, affecting their ability to scale operations. The solar industry also reported shortages of skilled labour, further impacting project timelines and capacity additions.

Read More: China's Envision Group Considers India Battery Plant.

Conclusion

India’s decision to cut red tape for Chinese business visas is expected to reduce operational delays and support industrial growth. By shortening approval timelines to under a month, the government aims to restore confidence among companies reliant on Chinese expertise.

The move comes amid broader efforts to stabilise trade relations and mitigate the impact of global tariff pressures. Industries such as electronics and renewable energy are likely to benefit from improved access to skilled professionals.

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