India will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals from 24 July, the Indian Embassy in Beijing announced on Wednesday.

This marks the first time in five years that such visas will be granted, following their suspension in the wake of the deadly 2020 Galwan Valley clashes between Indian and Chinese troops.

The restoration of tourist visas is seen as a major step in easing tensions between the two Asian giants, whose relationship has remained strained due to the prolonged military standoff in eastern Ladakh.

Earlier this year, both nations had signalled a cautious thaw in relations, agreeing in principle to restart direct flights, resume visa services, and facilitate Indian pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

The latest development follows Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s recent two-day visit to Beijing, which was aimed at boosting diplomatic engagement. According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the visit was in line with the understanding reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their meeting in Kazan last October.

During his visit, Misri held wide-ranging talks with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, where both sides conducted a comprehensive review of bilateral ties. The discussions reportedly focused on stabilising and improving relations through several people-centric initiatives.

The MEA also confirmed that both countries have agreed to hold an early meeting of the India–China Expert Level Mechanism, aimed at resuming cooperation on the sharing of hydrological data and other matters concerning trans-border rivers.