India has implemented stricter measures regarding visas for Chinese nationals in the wake of the border conflict between the Indian Army and the People’s Liberation Army at Galwan four years ago. Senior officials within the national security establishment and economic ministries have revealed significant changes in visa issuance.
Below are some of the key points that you should be aware of while looking into the issue of tightening Chinese Visas after the Galwan Clash.
Visa Decline: In 2019, approximately 200,000 visas were granted to Chinese nationals. However, this number has dramatically plummeted to just 2,000 in 2024 following a comprehensive assessment of Chinese investments in India.
Focus on Economic Security: The Narendra Modi government emphasizes national economic security, leading to a noteworthy shift in policy.
Indian Electronics Industry: Over the past eight months, around 1,500 visas have been issued, primarily meeting the demands of the Indian electronics industry.
Trade Deficit: Despite these measures, India faces a trade deficit exceeding $38.11 billion in the initial five months of this year. Exports to China totaled $8.93 billion between January and May 2024, while imports from Beijing were valued at $47 billion.
Merchandise Exports Surge: Official data released on June 14 shows an over 9% surge in India’s merchandise exports in May 2024. Petroleum products, engineering goods, and electronics led the charge.
Scrutiny of Chinese Investments: Post-Galwan, investigations into Chinese investments revealed violations by telecommunication companies. Vivo, in particular, faced allegations of tax evasion and illicit fund transfers back to China.
Atmanirbhar Bharat: India’s cautious approach aligns with its “Atmanirbhar Bharat” plan, aiming to foster self-reliance in domestic manufacturing and insulate the economy from external vulnerabilities.
While calls persist for greater access to visas for Chinese workers and technicians, India remains committed to rigorous vetting, prioritizing national security and economic resilience
