India has announced that it will resume issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals starting this week – a move that comes as part of efforts to repair bilateral ties that came under severe strain following the 2020 military clashes in Galwan Valley.

India had suspended tourist visas to Chinese nationals five years ago largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the restrictions continued in view of the eastern Ladakh border row.

The Indian embassy in Beijing said Chinese nationals will be able to apply for tourist visas from Thursday, PTI reported.