In a move aimed at garnering Beijing’s support for entry into the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG), India has removed “conference” visas for Chinese participants from the prior referral category, a senior government official told The Hindu.
China has, on several occasions, pressed India for lifting restrictions on conference and research visas.
The timing of the move is being seen as an attempt to soften the atmosphere in the run-up to the meetings of the NSG in Vienna.
“Not all categories of visas for Chinese have been removed from the restricted category. The relaxation is only for conference visas as it was a major hindrance for the Chinese to come here and share technological advancements and strategies,” said a senior government official.
Easing visa curbs may aid Chinese business links
In line with the decision taken last year during Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh’s visit to China, India has further liberalised the visa regime for Chinese citizens. India has already rolled out electronic tourist visa-on-arrival facility for Chinese and more recently, removed the need for prior approval for conference visas.
A senior government official told The Hindu that a circular to this effect was issued about a fortnight ago. Conference visas are issued for seminars, workshops and conferences organised by government departments, Union ministries, public sector undertakings, central educational institutions or public funded universities.
Earlier, China was bracketed with Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iraq, foreigners of Pakistani origin and stateless persons under the restricted category, requiring prior security clearance from the intelligence agencies for obtaining a visa.
However, Beijing is yet to reciprocate to New Delhi demand for a similar arrangement for its citizens.
