What Foreign Ministry Said On Visas To Chinese Nationals Amid Covid Spike

The assertion came in response to queries about global airlines body IATA telling its member carriers on April 20 that India has suspended tourist visas issued to Chinese nationals.

The Ministry of External Affairs said on Thursday that it was not an opportune moment to discuss the resumption of issuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals in view of the COVID-19 situation there.

The assertion came in response to queries about global airlines body IATA telling its member carriers on April 20 that India has suspended tourist visas issued to Chinese nationals.

Asked about the issue at a media briefing, Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said, "I think you are all aware of the Covid situation in Chinese cities like Shanghai and elsewhere. I don't think it is an opportune moment really to discuss the resumption of issuance of tourist visas from China in the context of what is happening in Shanghai and the Covid situation there." China had itself suspended issuance of most types of visas to Indians since November 2020, Mr Bagchi said.

Pressed further, he reiterated, "I don't think it is the most opportune time to discuss resumption of issuance of tourist visas with China." "You are aware of the situation there. I dont think this is the right time to talk about resumption of issuance of tourist visas. Chinese themselves have not issued visas to us. Travel to China is not the easiest of things nor is travel out of China," he said.