India has streamlined business visa approvals for Chinese professionals, reducing processing times to about four weeks in a move aimed at easing manufacturing bottlenecks and stabilising supply chains.
The reform, announced in mid-December 2025, removes an additional layer of administrative clearance and allows Indian firms to more easily secure e-visas for foreign technical experts. The change is expected to benefit sectors such as electronics, machinery and solar manufacturing, where Chinese engineers are often needed for equipment installation and commissioning.
Chinese authorities have welcomed the development, describing it as a constructive step towards improving cross-border cooperation. While Indian officials are yet to issue a formal public statement, businesses report that visa approvals have become faster and more predictable.
Analysts say the move reflects a pragmatic recalibration of India-China economic engagement after years of tight restrictions that reportedly cost India’s manufacturing sector billions of dollars in lost output. However, they caution that the facilitation appears limited to critical personnel and will require consistent implementation to deliver lasting impact.
