China Extends Visa Fee Reduction for Indian Travelers Until 2025 Amid Improved Border Relations
New Delhi, January 1: In a bid to facilitate smoother travel for foreigners, including Indian nationals, the Chinese Embassy in India has announced the extension of reduced visa fees until December 31, 2025. This measure, initially introduced last year, aims to encourage travel and strengthen people-to-people connections between the two nations.
As per the updated fee structure:
The announcement comes amid a positive shift in India-China relations, particularly regarding the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
India and China have reportedly achieved a broad consensus to restore ground stability in certain areas along the LAC. The Ministry of Defence (MoD), in its year-end review, highlighted ongoing diplomatic and military-level talks that have contributed to this agreement.
The official statement noted, “India and China achieved a broad consensus to restore the ground situation in certain areas along the LAC. Both countries have been holding talks at diplomatic and military levels to resolve differences on certain points, resulting in an understanding based on equal and mutual security.”
Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, during the Chanakya Defence Dialogue on October 24, 2024, emphasized that the consensus is proof of dialogue’s effectiveness in resolving conflicts.
The Indian Army (IA) continues to maintain high operational preparedness along both the LAC and Line of Control (LoC). The year-end review underscored efforts towards counter-terrorism operations and infrastructure development in border areas, aligning with the government’s ‘Viksit Bharat Vision’.
“Infrastructure development in border areas remains one of the key imperatives of operational preparedness, ensuring stability and dominance along all frontiers,” the MoD statement added.
The extension of visa fee reductions, coupled with progress on the LAC consensus, signifies a mutual commitment to easing tensions and fostering cooperation between India and China.
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