India simplifies visa rules to attract Chinese professionals

• India’s Department for Promotion of Industry launches new digital platform.
• Businesses can now generate sponsorship letters to invite foreign professionals.
• Visa application process has been simplified, eliminating the need for additional ministry approvals.

NEW DELHI: India has revamped its business visa rules to make it easier for foreign engineers and technicians to enter the country, according to a government statement. This move is expected to support local companies that rely on Chinese experts for manufacturing services.

India’s Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade announced last night that it introduced a new online system last month allowing companies to create sponsorship letters to invite foreign specialists. The visa application process has been streamlined, and companies will no longer need to seek additional approvals from relevant ministries.

Visas have been made easier for activities like machinery installation, commissioning, maintenance, and production. Many Indian firms depend heavily on Chinese professionals for these tasks and for training local workers, especially in factories with Chinese equipment.

Last week, Reuters reported that India has cut bureaucratic hurdles to accelerate visas for Chinese professionals, signaling warming relations between the two countries.

India froze nearly all Chinese visits after clashes along their Himalayan border in mid-2020, tightening visa vetting beyond the usual government channels.

The easing of restrictions comes after Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China for the first time in seven years, meeting President Xi Jinping to discuss strengthening ties.

Amid harsh US tariffs, Modi has cautiously sought to rebuild dialogue with Beijing.

Research by the Observer Research Foundation estimates that increased visa scrutiny caused about $15 billion in lost output for Indian electronics producers over four years, as many import crucial machinery from China.

Major Chinese tech firms like Xiaomi have also faced difficulties obtaining visas. Industry leaders say these restrictions have hampered their plans to expand operations in India, and the solar sector has experienced labor shortages due to skilled worker shortages.