India Launches New e-B-4 Visa for Chinese Businessmen
Introduction of e-B-4 Visa
Beijing, Jan 5: India has unveiled a new e-Production Investment Business Visa, known as the e-B-4 Visa, specifically designed for Chinese entrepreneurs. This visa allows them to enter India for various business-related activities, such as the installation and commissioning of equipment.
Application Process
According to a recent advisory posted on the Indian Embassy's website, the e-B-4 Visa became available for online applications starting January 1. Applicants can complete the process without needing to visit the embassy or engage agents.
Visa Details
This new visa was introduced in response to the increasing demand for business travel to India. It is expected to be processed within 45 to 50 days and allows for a stay of up to six months.
Eligible activities for the e-B-4 Visa include installation and commissioning, quality checks, essential maintenance, production, IT and ERP ramp-up, training, supply chain development for vendor empanelment, plant design, and senior management roles.
Registration for Indian Companies
Indian firms wishing to invite Chinese nationals under the e-B-4 Visa can register on the DPIIT's National Single Window System (NSWS) portal at https://www.nsws.gov.in, under the 'Login-Business User Login' section.
Online Application Submission
Applicants can submit their e-B-4 Visa applications online via the portal https://indianvisaonline.gov.in, under the 'For e-Visa by Bureau of Immigration' section, along with the required supporting documents.
Diplomatic Context
The launch of the e-B-4 Visa coincides with a renewed diplomatic dialogue between New Delhi and Beijing. Recently, both nations have agreed on several initiatives aimed at improving relations after a lengthy period of tension.
During discussions at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in August, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping expressed their commitment to finding a “fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable” solution to the boundary dispute.
Both leaders recognized the importance of their economies in stabilizing global trade, particularly in light of the economic challenges posed by tariff disputes with the United States. Modi also extended an invitation to Xi for the BRICS summit in 2026, which India will host, a gesture that was welcomed by the Chinese President, who pledged support for India's BRICS presidency, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs.