India and China Agree to Speed Up Business Visas and Modernise Air Services Pact
India and China have agreed to accelerate business visa facilitation and work toward updating their bilateral air services agreement to improve connectivity and ease travel.
Jishan Khan 
Senior diplomats from India and China agreed on practical steps to accelerate business visa facilitation and update the bilateral air services agreement during their annual Strategic Dialogue in New Delhi.
Officials from both sides said they will expand pilot measures aimed at simplifying and speeding up visa processing for business travellers, journalists, and students. Measures being rolled out include streamlined documentation requirements, paperless invitation letter submissions, and priority counters at key consulates.
The dialogue also recognised the need to modernise the two‑decade‑old air services agreement between the nations, with both sides agreeing to pursue an updated pact. Proposed changes include lifting current flight frequency caps, opening additional gateways such as Bengaluru and Chengdu, and introducing expanded cargo rights to improve freight connectivity.
For multinational companies and airlines, these developments are seen as a positive signal that long‑standing mobility challenges between India and China are being addressed. Stakeholders expect faster visa processes and improved aviation links to support trade, investment and people‑to‑people exchanges.
