The Chinese Embassy in India has launched an online visa application system, allowing applicants to complete forms and upload documents digitally, marking a significant development in bilateral relations following a five-year suspension of certain visas post-2020 clashes. With the visa regime for Chinese nationals now fully operational, this initiative aims to enhance efficiency and reduce processing errors, facilitating greater people-to-people contact and economic ties, particularly in tourism and trade, which exceeds $100 billion annually. While the move reflects a pragmatic approach to diplomacy and economic cooperation, analysts warn that sustained normalisation is contingent on ongoing border peace. The introduction of this system aligns with global trends in visa processing and could serve as a foundation for future mutual agreements in visa facilitation.