India Launches e-B-4 Business Visa for Chinese Nationals: A New Era of Economic Collaboration Published By Anupam Nath India has made a decisive move to strengthen trade and investment relations with China by introducing the e-B-4 Business Visa, a new category of e-visa designed specifically for Chinese business professionals. This initiative marks a significant step in expanding bilateral economic cooperation and promoting industrial synergy between Asia’s two largest economies.The e-Production Investment Business Visa (e-B-4) simplifies the entry process for Chinese companies and entrepreneurs who wish to participate in industrial activities in India. Unlike traditional visa processes that require embassy visits and extensive paperwork, this visa can be applied for entirely online through the Indian government’s official portal. The entire process is more transparent and accessible, representing India’s growing adoption of digital governance in international business facilitation.The visa boasts a processing time of 45 to 50 days and allows Chinese professionals to stay in India for up to six months. Applicants can pursue a variety of business activities under this category, including installation and commissioning of equipment, quality control, essential maintenance, production setup, IT or ERP ramp-up, training programs, and supply chain collaborations.This online system eliminates the need for travel agents or in-person embassy appointments, making it especially convenient for companies seeking to deploy technical teams or management representatives swiftly. For Indian enterprises, this is an opportunity to re-engage with Chinese manufacturers, industrial designers, and technology providers, fostering smoother operations in sectors like electronics, renewable energy, machinery, and automotive supply chains.Additionally, Indian firms interested in inviting Chinese professionals can register themselves on the National Single Window System (NSWS) under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT). Through this integrated system, foreign collaboration and industrial permissions are now easier to manage, reinforcing the government’s “Ease of Doing Business” vision.The introduction of the e-B-4 Visa reflects a broader diplomatic approach — focusing on people-to-people connections and business-led engagement. After years of cautious interaction, both countries appear keen to rebuild mutual trust through economic ties and production-linked investments.If implemented smoothly, the e-B-4 Business Visa could become a model for future bilateral visa frameworks, encouraging more transparent and technology-driven governance in global trade cooperation.In essence, this initiative signals a new chapter in India-China economic relations, where innovation, digital systems, and mutual growth take center stage. For global businesses, it is yet another sign that India is opening its doors wider to investment, collaboration, and cross-border industrial progress.
