Introduction:
The International Air Transport Association or the IATA on 20 April informed it’s member carriers that the Indian government had suspended tourist visas granted to Chinese nationals. This move has been seen as a retaliatory effort from the Indian government’s side to the Chinese response to India’s raised concern.
India has been raising with China for some time now, the plight of approximately 22,000 Indian students enrolled in Chinese universities who are unable to go back for physical classes. However, the neighboring country has till date refused to let them enter.
These are the students who bas to leave classes and come back to India during the beginning of the pandemic. It was further mentioned that the tourist visas with a validity of 10 years are no longer valid.
Description :
The IATA is a global airlines body with around 290 members that comprise of more than 80 per cent of global air traffic. MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi on March 17 had given a statement urging Beijing to adopt a “congenial stance” in the matter as the continuation of the strict restrictions is putting the academic careers of thousands of Indian students in jeopardy.
It was mentioned that Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson had stated on February 8 that China was looking into the matter in a coordinated manner and that arrangements for allowing foreign students to return to China were being examined but that there had been no categorical response from the Chinese side till date.
Conclusion:
India’s current action is a retaliatory measure or a Tit for Tat measure to counter Chinese ignorance for India’s concern for the lives and careers of thousands of students. The affectability of this measure remains to be seen but it is sure without a doubt that the effect of this action will be felt in Beijing.
Published By: Sachin Soanwane
