In the most significant thaw in India-China people-to-people links since the 2020 Ladakh border clashes, New Delhi has removed an entire layer of ‘security vetting’ and instructed missions to issue business visas for Chinese technicians and executives within four weeks. cite turn0news12 Electronics-, automobile- and renewable-energy plants across India have complained of production losses topping US $15 billion because specialists from their Chinese suppliers could not obtain entry permits. The new directive, cleared after Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s December visit to Beijing, is explicitly aimed at “restoring disrupted supply chains” and reassuring foreign investors that projects will no longer be delayed for want of skilled personnel. cite turn6news12
Beyond shortening processing times, the Home Ministry has authorised consulates to waive in-person interviews for repeat travellers and to issue multiple-entry visas valid up to three years. Industries that demonstrate foreign-exchange earnings or large employment potential may request group pre-clearance lists, further reducing friction for recurring travel.
For companies navigating these evolving rules, an online facilitator such as VisaHQ can remove even more uncertainty. Its India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) monitors regulatory updates in real time and can submit electronic applications, arrange biometrics where still required, and courier passports back to applicants—helping mobility teams compress timelines and avoid administrative missteps.
![India Fast-Tracks Business Visas for Chinese Professionals to Restore Supply Chains]()
Business lobbies on both sides hailed the move. The Indian Cellular & Electronics Association said at least 300 stalled SMT (surface-mount technology) lines can now be commissioned in the next quarter, boosting the government’s “Make in India” smartphone ambitions. Beijing’s foreign ministry called the step “positive” and resumed talks on reciprocal long-term visas for Indian managers posted in China. cite turn0news13
For multinationals, the immediate takeaway is that specialist travel between the two Asian giants is finally predictable again. Companies should, however, review their internal mobility policies: Chinese assignees must still register on India’s e-FRRO portal after arrival, and projects in sensitive border states will continue to need separate security clearances.
Looking ahead, analysts expect broader liberalisation—possibly a dedicated APEC-style business-traveller card—if the current détente holds. For now, mobility teams should update lead-time assumptions, alert Chinese vendors to the simplified checklist and monitor bilateral flight capacity, which is also being ramped up for the first time since the pandemic.
Beyond shortening processing times, the Home Ministry has authorised consulates to waive in-person interviews for repeat travellers and to issue multiple-entry visas valid up to three years. Industries that demonstrate foreign-exchange earnings or large employment potential may request group pre-clearance lists, further reducing friction for recurring travel.
For companies navigating these evolving rules, an online facilitator such as VisaHQ can remove even more uncertainty. Its India portal (https://www.visahq.com/india/) monitors regulatory updates in real time and can submit electronic applications, arrange biometrics where still required, and courier passports back to applicants—helping mobility teams compress timelines and avoid administrative missteps.
Business lobbies on both sides hailed the move. The Indian Cellular & Electronics Association said at least 300 stalled SMT (surface-mount technology) lines can now be commissioned in the next quarter, boosting the government’s “Make in India” smartphone ambitions. Beijing’s foreign ministry called the step “positive” and resumed talks on reciprocal long-term visas for Indian managers posted in China. cite turn0news13
For multinationals, the immediate takeaway is that specialist travel between the two Asian giants is finally predictable again. Companies should, however, review their internal mobility policies: Chinese assignees must still register on India’s e-FRRO portal after arrival, and projects in sensitive border states will continue to need separate security clearances.
Looking ahead, analysts expect broader liberalisation—possibly a dedicated APEC-style business-traveller card—if the current détente holds. For now, mobility teams should update lead-time assumptions, alert Chinese vendors to the simplified checklist and monitor bilateral flight capacity, which is also being ramped up for the first time since the pandemic.
