3 weeks ago
Beijing Tightens Visa Rules, Hitting India's Manufacturing Ambitions
India wants to make more products in its own factories.
But many Indian factories still use parts and machines made in China.
Sometimes, Indian engineers have to travel to China to check machines, approve quality, or fix production problems.
Now, China is turning down more of those travel requests.
Before, almost every business visa request was approved.
Now, only about 20 to 40 out of every 100 requests get approved.
This makes it harder for Indian factories to keep running smoothly.
At the same time, India made it easier for Chinese experts to come and help in India.
That shows the two countries are still very connected, even though India wants to depend less on China.
China's approval rate for business visas for Indian professionals has fallen to 20–40 percent from near-universal approvals, according to The Economic Times.
The tighter scrutiny most affects electronics and automobile contract manufacturing, where Indian teams travel for factory visits, quality checks and technical discussions.
Indian manufacturing still relies on Chinese components, machinery and technical expertise, so visa delays risk holding up production lines in India.
The move contrasts with easing elsewhere: India relaxed rules for Chinese professionals last year, and executives from Oppo, Xiaomi, Hisense, Haier and Midea have been returning to India.
The visa squeeze does not by itself block India's China+1 push, but it exposes how deeply the two economies remain connected, since Chinese suppliers cannot be replaced overnight.
- Who
- Indian business executives and technical teams seeking Chinese business visas, and Indian manufacturers dependent on Chinese inputs.
- What
- China has sharply reduced approval of business visas for Indian professionals, with approval rates dropping to 20–40 percent.
- Where
- China, with effects on manufacturing supply chains feeding into India.
- When
- In recent months, as reported on August 07, 2026.
- Why
- Indian factories still depend on Chinese components, machinery and technical expertise, requiring in-person travel for inspections and production-related work.
Key facts
- Visa approval rate drop
- 20–40% for Indian professionals, down from near-universal approvals
- Sectors most affected
- Electronics and automobile contract manufacturing
- Key reporting
- The Economic Times and Reuters, cited by News18
- Indian government position
- 2024 Rajya Sabha reply noted visas issued to Chinese specialists under the PLI scheme
- Chinese firms returning to India
- Oppo, Xiaomi, Hisense, Haier and Midea
- India's March measures
- Eased approvals for Chinese investment in electronic components, capital goods and solar manufacturing
- Published
- August 07, 2026, by News18 (Apoorva Misra)
Sources
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