In a significant uptick, China has issued over 85,000 visas to Indian citizens in 2025, reflecting a substantial rise compared to previous years. The surge highlights Beijing’s strategic push to deepen people-to-people exchanges with India, even as tensions with the United States continue to mount over trade disputes.
Between January 1 and April 9, more than 8,500 Indian nationals were granted visas, according to the Chinese Embassy in India. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong shared the figures on X, encouraging more Indian visitors to experience China’s “open, safe, and friendly environment.”
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The increase follows several policy relaxations introduced by the Chinese Embassy in late 2023. Indian applicants are now exempt from booking online appointments and can directly submit applications. Additionally, fingerprint submissions are no longer required for short-term visas, and application fees have been lowered to attract more travelers.
This move coincides with China’s broader diplomatic strategy as it faces escalating tariff tensions with the US. Chinese officials have urged India to stand in solidarity against what they describe as “US tariff abuse.” Amid the global reshuffling of alliances, Beijing appears keen on strengthening its relationship with New Delhi both economically and diplomatically.
