Relevance: GS-2 (International Relations – India–China Relations) | Source: Indian Express, MEA Updates

News 

India has simplified business visa procedures for Chinese professionals by reducing approval layers and cutting processing time to under one month, aiming to revive stalled economic engagement post-2020 border tensions.

The Move: What Has India Changed?

  • Faster clearance for business and technical professionals.
  • Easing aims to address shortages of Chinese technicians in sectors like electronics, manufacturing, renewable energy.
  • Part of India’s calibrated strategy: economic pragmatism + firm stance on sovereignty.

Broader Context: Visa Frictions

  • Post-Galwan (2020), India had heavily restricted travel for Chinese nationals.
  • China continues controversial practices like stapled visas for residents of Arunachal Pradesh, which India rejects as it considers the State an integral part of India.

Significance

The step signals a cautious diplomatic thaw while protecting India’s territorial and strategic interests.

UPSC Prelims Value Box

Stapled Visa:A loose sheet attached to a passport instead of stamping it—used by China for residents of Arunachal Pradesh. India considers this unacceptable and does not recognise the stapled document as valid.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA):Responsible for India’s foreign policy, issuance of diplomatic guidance, and handling bilateral visa disputes.

Q. Consider the following statements regarding recent India–China visa developments:

  1. India’s relaxation of business visas for Chinese professionals applies mainly to sectors requiring technical specialists.
  2. China’s practice of issuing stapled visas relates to its position on Arunachal Pradesh.
  3. A stapled visa is fully recognised by India as valid travel documentation.

How many of the above statements are correct?
A. One only
B. Two only
C. All three
D. None

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