In a significant diplomatic move, the Chinese Embassy in India has issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens in just the first four months of 2025, marking a substantial increase in visa numbers. The move highlights China’s ongoing efforts to strengthen people-to-people connections between the two nations. Between January 1 and April 9, 2025, over 8,500 visas were issued to Indian nationals alone, reflecting the deepening bilateral ties.
Chinese Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, emphasized this initiative, inviting more Indians to visit China. In a post on X, Xu said, “As of April 9, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens traveling to China this year. Welcome more Indian friends to visit China, experience an open, safe, vibrant, sincere and friendly China.”
This surge in visa numbers represents a clear departure from previous years. In 2023, only 180,000 visas were issued, with the current 2025 numbers already surpassing a significant portion of that total in a mere four months. The Chinese Embassy’s efforts reflect a shift towards a more relaxed visa process, making it easier for Indians to visit China.
Key changes in the visa process have contributed to this surge. Indian applicants no longer need to schedule online appointments before submitting their visa applications. They can now directly submit their applications at the designated visa centres during working days. Additionally, individuals applying for short-term, single, or double-entry visas for stays under 180 days are now exempt from providing biometric data, such as fingerprints. The embassy has also lowered visa application fees, introducing more affordable charges for applicants.
These developments coincide with rising tensions between the US and China, particularly in trade relations. Amid ongoing trade disputes, the Chinese government has used the opportunity to strengthen its alliances, urging countries like India to stand against the United States’ trade tariffs.
In response to the escalating US tariff situation, Yu Jing, a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in India, expressed solidarity between India and China. Last week, Jing said, “China-India economic and trade relationship is based on complementarity and mutual benefit. Facing the US abuse of tariffs… the two largest developing countries should stand together to overcome the difficulties.”
This call for unity against the US tariff actions comes at a time when US President Donald Trump has raised tariffs on Chinese imports to 145%, intensifying trade tensions between the two global powers. In retaliation, China has imposed a 125% tariff on American products.
With these diplomatic and economic shifts, the China-India relationship continues to evolve, marked by growing ties in both economic and cultural spheres. As the two largest developing countries in the world, their collaboration against external pressures, particularly those from the US, appears to be gaining momentum.
The Chinese Embassy’s recent push to increase Indian visits to China, alongside relaxed visa policies, signals a new phase in strengthening bilateral relations and addressing global economic challenges together.
