Indian business executives travelling to China are facing growing challenges in obtaining visas, with Beijing reportedly tightening approval procedures and reducing clearances for corporate travellers.
The development has started affecting operations of companies in sectors such as electronics and automobile manufacturing, which continue to rely heavily on Chinese components, machinery and technical expertise.
According to a report by The Economic Times, executives from several contract manufacturing companies said Chinese authorities have approved only a limited share of business visa applications in recent months.
Approval rates that were earlier close to complete have reportedly fallen significantly, with some firms receiving clearance for only 20-40% of applications.
The difficulties come at a time when India’s manufacturing ecosystem remains dependent on China for critical imports. Industry estimates suggest that China supplies a substantial share of components and capital equipment used by Indian companies, with dependence varying across sectors.
A senior executive from a large electronics manufacturing company said obtaining a Chinese business visa was no longer a straightforward process.
According to him, applications are taking considerably longer to process, while rejected applications require companies to restart the procedure, with approvals becoming increasingly difficult.
Visa Delays Impact Manufacturing Projects And Supply Chains
The tightening of visa approvals has raised concerns among businesses that require regular movement of executives, engineers and technical specialists between India and China.
Many Indian companies depend on Chinese expertise for installation, maintenance and operation of specialised equipment used in manufacturing facilities.
Restrictions on business travel could potentially delay new projects, factory expansions and technology transfers.
Several companies have informally approached the Indian government, requesting intervention through diplomatic channels to address the issue.
According to the report, a person familiar with India-China relations said the government is aware of the concerns raised by businesses. Restrictions on movement of business personnel could affect supply chains and technology exchange between the two countries.
Indian business travellers have also highlighted the issue on online platforms, including social media forums, claiming that visa rejections have increased despite the resumption of direct flights between India and China.
The challenges are particularly significant for sectors such as electronics, automobile components and manufacturing, where Chinese suppliers continue to play an important role.
