Latest news with #EmbassyOfIndia
CNA
7 days ago
- Business
- CNA
India resumes visas for Chinese tourists after five years amid thaw in diplomatic tensions
NEW DELHI/BEIJING: India will start issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals from Thursday (Jul 24) for the first time in five years - marking a significant thaw between the two Asian giants after a deadly border clash deeply strained relations. According to an official notice shared online by the Embassy of India in China, applicants must complete an online form before booking an in-person appointment to submit required documents at its embassy in Beijing or consulates in Shanghai and Guangzhou. It follows China's gradual resumption of visas for Indian nationals in recent years, including tourist visas in March this year. Some reports said that Chinese Embassy and consulate offices had issued 85,000 visas from January to Apr 9, without indicating the category of visas. Beijing has welcomed the 'positive' move by India. Speaking on Wednesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun said China was 'ready to maintain communication and consultation with India to further facilitate travel between the two countries'. An opinion piece published on Thursday by the state-owned Global Times tabloid called it 'a positive development' but said there was 'still a lot that the Indian side can do'. It noted that India had imposed 'relatively high thresholds' for Chinese tourists applying for visas, such as providing bank statements over the past six months to show a minimum balance of 100,000 yuan (US$13,966). 'These requirements not only fall short of the visa standards from five years ago but also clearly lag behind the global trend of streamlining visa policies and facilitating cross-border travel,' Global Times wrote. 'India should do more to build mutual trust, bridge perception gaps, and foster goodwill among the two peoples,' it said, adding that it was also important to see if India would take 'more substantial steps', such as improving visa approval rates, tourist services and safety, and the possible relaxation of visa requirements in the future. 04:50 Min The world's two most populous nations share a 3,800 km border that has been heavily disputed since the 1950s. Tensions escalated following a June 2020 military clash that resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers. The clash led to a military standoff with both armies deploying tens of thousands of troops in the mountains as well as both countries to suspend flights, investments and visa services to each other during the pandemic. Negotiations to settle the dispute made slow progress. But relations have gradually improved, with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia last October. Last month, both countries' foreign ministries announced a mutual agreement to expedite the resumption of direct air services and step up communication. China resumed visa services for Indian students and business travellers in 2022 while tourist visas for Indian nationals remained restricted until March this year, when both countries agreed to resume direct air service. Modi is also expected to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin next month, which would mark his first visit to China since 2018.
BreakingNews.ie
23-07-2025
- Politics
- BreakingNews.ie
Embassy of India stalls housing scheme for Dublin's Merrion Rd over privacy and security concerns
The Embassy of India here has stalled contentious plans for a housing scheme on Dublin's Merrion Rd over privacy and security concerns. This follows the Embassy of India lodging an appeal with An Coimisiún Pleanála against the decision by Dublin City Council to grant planning permission to Harry and James Simpson to construct five houses on a site to the rear of No. 67 and 69 Merrion Road, Dublin 4. Advertisement Along with the appeal lodged by the Embassy of India a second appeal has been lodged with ACP by Patricia V Harrington and Mary Lewis. The applicants had initially proposed six houses and after the Council expressed 'serious concerns' over the proposed density, scale and height of the proposal, the applicants omitted one unit, Unit 2, which was nearest the Embassy of India and reconfigured a second unit. India has its Irish Embassy at 69 Merrion Road, which is the neighbouring property of 67 Merrion Road. In the embassy's initial objection lodged with the Council, Head of Chancery, Vijay Singh told the council that the Embassy 'would like to strongly object' to the proposed scheme. Advertisement Mr Singh told the council that the proposed development of four three-storey bedroom houses backing onto the rear garden of the Embassy and Unit 2 next to the boundary wall of the embassy "will negatively impact the ambience and aesthetics of the rear garden/area of the Embassy complex, where Embassy regularly organises important events, including Indian National Day celebrations'. Mr Singh told the council that "it will be impossible for the Embassy to organise these events after being surrounded by the new proposed units'. Mr Singh contended that 'the new overbearing units will completely box in the rear area of the Embassy, block out the view, obstruct ventilation and significantly reduce the amount of natural light that the Embassy gets'. Ms Singh further stated that 'the proposed development is not in conformity with the character of the area, where the detached houses are the norm, and will negatively impact the residential amenities in the area'. Advertisement Mr Singh stated that the proposed 2/3-storey high units surrounding the rear area of the Embassy and having balconies overlooking into the Embassy 'will have serious implications for the security and privacy of the Embassy complex, and its members and visitors'. 'As a resident Diplomatic Mission in Ireland, this is a matter of grave concern for the Embassy," he said. The Council granted planning permission after concluding that the omission of unit No. 2 'is a great improvement to this section of the development, creating a higher level of residential amenity for both neighbouring units and future occupiers of the development'.
Arab News
17-07-2025
- Business
- Arab News
Indian mangoes celebrated in Riyadh
The Embassy of India in Riyadh, in collaboration with the Agriculture and Processed Food Export Development Authority, recently organized a culinary festival titled 'Indian Mango Indulgence' at Tresor Modern Indian Restaurant. The event showcased the rich heritage and diverse flavors of Indian mangoes, celebrated through a unique menu crafted by renowned celebrity chef, Sanjay Thakur. 'This event is all about celebrating the harmony between Indian mangoes and Saudi ingredients,' the chef said. 'By blending these rich flavors, we create a unique culinary experience that honors both cultures.' Ambassador Suhel Ajaz Khan opened the event, noting the global renown of Indian mangoes. He said Saudi Arabia is a significant importer of the fruit, ensuring the availability of premium varieties for local consumers. The menu featured an array of dishes, including mango butter chicken and Goan mango fish curry, blending Indian culinary traditions with Saudi ingredients such as dates and Madinah mint. A standout feature of the event was the salad corner, which introduced a fusion of mangoes and millets, aligning with the UN designation of 2023 as the 'International Year of Millets.' This innovative approach not only celebrated mangoes but also promoted gluten-free, nutritious grains. India is the world's largest producer of mangoes, boasting over 1,200 local varieties and accounting for 45 percent of global production. The event served as a platform to showcase various regional mango varieties, including the renowned Alphonso, as well as Geographical Indication-tagged options like Fazli and Rataul. In conjunction with this event, a week-long Indian mango festival was launched at Lulu Hypermarket, further promoting the rich diversity of Indian mangoes to the Saudi market. APEDA representatives engaged in meetings with major Saudi retail chains to explore expanding the availability of these premium products.
Zawya
02-07-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Press Release on the recent development in Mali
The Ministry of External Affairs expresses its deep concern regarding the abduction of three Indian nationals employed at the Diamond Cement Factory in Kayes, Republic of Mali. The incident occurred on 1st July 2025, when a group of armed assailants carried out a coordinated attack at the factory premises and forcibly took three (03) Indian nationals as hostages. 2. It has come to the knowledge of the Government of India that many military and government installations at multiple locations of western and central Mali were attacked by terrorists on 01 July 2025. 3. The Embassy of India in Bamako is in close and constant communication with the relevant authorities of the Government of Mali, local law enforcement agencies, as well as the management of Diamond Cement Factory. The Mission is also in touch with the family members of the abducted Indian nationals. 4. The Government of India unequivocally condemns this deplorable act of violence and calls upon the Government of the Republic of Mali to take all necessary measures to secure the safe and expeditious release of the abducted Indian nationals. Senior officials of the Ministry are closely monitoring the evolving situation and remain engaged at various levels to facilitate safe and early release of Indian Nationals. 5. The safety, security and welfare of Indian nationals abroad remains a matter of utmost priority for the Government of India. The Ministry advises all Indian citizens currently residing in Mali to exercise utmost caution, remain vigilant and stay in close contact with the Embassy of India in Bamako for regular updates and necessary assistance. 6. The Ministry shall continue to extend all possible support and remains committed to ensuring the safe return of the abducted Indian nationals at the earliest. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of External Affairs - Government of India.
Times of Oman
29-06-2025
- Business
- Times of Oman
Indian Embassy to open 11 new visa centres across Oman
Muscat: The Embassy of India in Muscat is set to transition its consular, passport, and visa services to a new service provider, SGIVS Global Services LLC, starting 1st July 2025. In the initial phase, all services will be delivered from the Embassy premises located on Jami'at Al-Dowal Al-Arabiya Street in the Diplomatic Area of Al Khuwair. As part of the new service framework, SGIVS Global Services will establish 11 dedicated application centres across Oman, aimed at enhancing accessibility for the Indian community and other applicants. These centres, scheduled to be fully operational by 15th August 2025, will be located in Muscat, Salalah, Sohar, Ibri, Sur, Nizwa, Duqm, Ibra, Khasab, Buraimi, and Barka. In a public advisory, the Embassy stated: 'From 1st July 2025, Consular Passport and Visa Services will be provided through a new service provider, SGIVS Global LLC. During the transition phase, services will be provided at the Embassy initially and 11 new dedicated centres across Oman will open by 15th August, 2025. Applicants are advised to plan accordingly and follow official updates.' The Embassy also cautioned that minor service disruptions may occur during the transition and thanked the public for their patience and cooperation.
