New Delhi: India has eased the visa approval process for Chinese professionals as the two countries continue to improve ties in the aftermath of the 2020 Ladakh border standoff.

According to officials quoted by news agency Reuters, India has reduced bureaucratic scrutiny and reduced visa approval times for Chinese professionals to less than a month.

The move is intended to improve technical support to Indian companies using Chinese equipment and address the scarcity of technicians by easing the travel of Chinese experts to India 

This is the latest in a series of measures undertaken by the two countries to thaw ties.

"We have removed the layer of administrative vetting and are processing the business visas within four weeks," an official quoted by Reuters said, adding that issues around securing visas had been fully resolved.

The Chinese foreign ministry welcomed the move saying that it had noted the "positive action” from India.

Calling the move "in the interests of both parties", spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China is willing to maintain cooperation and communication with India to improve ties.

India had previously blocked nearly all Chinese visits after 2020 skirmish between India and China on the Line of Actual Control in Galwan in 2020. The conflict had claimed the lives of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese soldiers, causing a significant disruption in ties between the two countries.

Subsequent increase in scrutiny and restrictions on trade relations with China had impacted domestic production in India, leading to an estimated loss of $15 billion over four years to Indian electronics makers.

However, the two neighbours concluded the disengagement process in October last year, paving the way for bilateral meetings between India and China. The two countries also resumed direct flights this year.

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