The recent Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit, attended by leaders from China, Russia, and India, is expected to boost economic ties and improve visa and immigration policies between the member countries. Here’s how:

Improved Visa Policies
– Eased Visa Conditions: India and China have already taken steps to ease visa restrictions, with China allowing Indian pilgrims into Tibet and India reissuing tourist visas for Chinese nationals.
– Direct Flights: The resumption of direct flights between Indian and Chinese cities will facilitate travel and business exchanges.
– Streamlined Visa Processes: The Globevisa Group reports that online application processes have improved, with more efficient and consistent updates on official websites ¹.

Economic Benefits
– Increased Trade: The SCO summit aims to promote economic cooperation, investment, and trade among member countries.
– Business Exchanges: Improved visa policies and direct flights will enable business travelers to explore opportunities, fostering investment and trade between the three nations.

People-to-People Exchanges
– Cultural Exchange: Strengthened economic ties will lead to more cultural exchanges, educational collaborations, and people-to-people connections.
– Tourism: Easier visa policies will attract more tourists, promoting cultural understanding and economic growth.

Challenges and Opportunities
– Trust Issues: Historical tensions and trust issues between India and China pose challenges to deeper cooperation.
– Global Uncertainty: The current global environment, marked by turbulence and shifting alliances, requires careful management of relationships.
– Long-term Engagement: Sustained engagement and peaceful management of relationships will be crucial for the success of the SCO summit’s initiatives