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India tweaked visa rules amid growing number of visa applications from Chinese nationals coming to the country for short business visits.
China has welcomed India's move to speed up approval of business visas issued to Chinese professional, calling it a "positive step".
Beijing's reaction came after India tweaked visa rule to allow Chinese nationals coming to the country to apply under business visa category, apart from the existing employment visa category.
"We've noted this positive move," foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun told a media briefing, according to PTI news aegncy. Jiakun was responding to a question on reports that India will speed up issuance of business visas to Chinese business professionals.
The Chinese official said that easing cross-border travel "serves the common interests of all parties".
He added, "China will maintain communication and consultation with India to further facilitate people-to-people exchange."
While Chinese nationals visiting India for business trips were earlier issued employment visas valid for six months or more, the government has now decided to grant them business visas or 'B' visas, valid for short periods.
They further said that a decision was also made to grant these visas within three to four weeks. Though the changes will be applicable to nationals of all countries, but Chinese nationals will benefit the most.