New Delhi: India has given a befitting reply to China, asking all its airlines to ban the travel of Chinese nationals to India. Although the order is unofficial, it is seen as a response to China’s action. In November itself, the dragon passed similar orders for Indian travelers.
Flights between the two countries have been suspended for a long time, but Chinese travelers are reaching India via another country, with which air travel is not interrupted. In addition, Chinese nationals living in air bubble countries have also been flying to India from there for work and business.
According to a Times of India report, both Indian and foreign airlines have been specifically told not to send Chinese nationals to India. Tourist visas are currently suspended in India, but foreigners are allowed to travel to work and some other categories of non-tourist visas. Sources says that most of the Chinese nationals flying to India come here via Europe.
Some airlines asked the authorities to give them something in writing so that they can give reason for denying boarding to Chinese nationals booked on flights to India as per current norms.
India’s response comes as Indian sailors are stranded in various Chinese ports, as China is refusing to allow them to shore or even replace the crew. About 1,500 Indians have been affected by this because they cannot return home.
In early November, China suspended the entry of foreign nationals holding valid Chinese visas or residence permits from some countries, including India, due to the pandemic.
“The Chinese embassy/consulates in India will not stamp the health declaration forms for the holders of the above-mentioned categories of visa or residence permits,” the Chinese embassy in India had said in a statement on its website on November 5, while exempting some categories of visa holders like diplomats.