China's Stapled Visas for Indian Arunachal Pradesh Players
In July 2023, China issued stapled visas to three Indian athletes from Arunachal Pradesh, a state that China claims as its own. This move was met with strong protests from the Indian government, which called it "unacceptable" and "a violation of India's sovereignty."China's use of stapled visas for Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh is a long-standing practice. The Chinese government argues that it does this because it does not recognize India's claim to the state. However, the Indian government sees this as a political ploy by China to assert its claim over Arunachal Pradesh.
The issue of stapled visas is not just a diplomatic one. It also has implications for the safety and security of Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh. Because stapled visas are not stamped in the passport, they can be easily removed or destroyed. This means that Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh who travel to China with stapled visas are at risk of being denied entry or being detained.
The Indian government's response to China's latest move was to withdraw its wushu team from the World University Games in Chengdu. This was a strong message to China that India will not tolerate its provocations. However, it is important to note that India has not taken any other concrete steps to address the issue of stapled visas.
**What role should India play in resolving the issue of stapled visas?
There are a few options. First, India could continue to protest China's actions and demand that it stop issuing stapled visas to Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh. Second, India could take the issue to the International Court of Justice. Third, India could try to negotiate a deal with China that would allow Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh to obtain regular visas.
The best course of action for India is unclear. However, it is important for India to take a firm stance on this issue and to make it clear to China that it will not tolerate its provocations.
In addition to taking a firm stance, India should also work to strengthen its ties with other countries in the region. This would help to deter China from further provocations and would also send a message to China that India is not alone in its opposition to China's claims over Arunachal Pradesh.
The issue of stapled visas is a complex one, but it is one that India cannot afford to ignore. By taking a firm stance and strengthening its ties with other countries in the region, India can send a clear message to China that its claims over Arunachal Pradesh will not be tolerated.
The Indian government has a number of roles to play in addressing the issue of stapled visas.
These include: Protesting China's actions: The Indian government has already protested China's actions on several occasions. This is an important step, as it sends a clear message to China that its actions are not acceptable.
- Taking the issue to international forums: The Indian government can also take the issue of stapled visas to international forums, such as the United Nations and the G20. This would help to raise awareness of the issue and put pressure on China to change its behavior.
- Working with other countries in the region: The Indian government can also work with other countries in the region to develop a joint strategy on how to deal with China. This would help to deter China from further provocations and would also send a message to China that India is not alone in its opposition to China's claims over Arunachal Pradesh.
- Strengthening its military capabilities: The Indian government can also strengthen its military capabilities in the region, in order to deter China from further provocations. This would also send a message to China that India is not afraid to stand up for its interests.
- In addition to these roles, the Indian government can also take steps to protect the safety and security of Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh. This could include providing them with travel advisories and ensuring that they have access to legal assistance if they are detained in China.
- The government has a responsibility to protect its citizens and to uphold its sovereignty. The issue of stapled visas is a serious one that challenges both of these principles. The government must take a firm stance on this issue and work to resolve it in a way that protects the interests of India and its citizens.
Overall
The issue of stapled visas is a serious one that has implications for the safety and security of Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh. China's use of stapled visas is a political ploy that the Indian government should not tolerate. India should take a firm stance on this issue and work to strengthen its ties with other countries in the region. By doing so, India can send a clear message to China that its claims over Arunachal Pradesh will not be tolerated
The issue of stapled visas is a serious one that has implications for the safety and security of Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh. China's use of stapled visas is a political ploy that the Indian government should not tolerate. India should take a firm stance on this issue and work to strengthen its ties with other countries in the region. By doing so, India can send a clear message to China that its claims over Arunachal Pradesh will not be tolerated
- The practice of issuing stapled visas to Indian citizens from Arunachal Pradesh began in 2009.
- China has issued stapled visas to Indian athletes on several occasions, including the 2010 Asian Games, the 2011 Youth World Archery Championship, and the 2014 Asian Karate Championships.
- In 2012, the Indian government filed a case against China at the Permanent Court of Arbitration (PCA) in The Hague. The case is still ongoing.
- In 2017, India and China held a round of talks on the issue of stapled visas. However, the talks were inconclusive.
- The issue of stapled visas is a complex one, and there is no easy solution. However, it is important for India to take a firm stance on this issue and to make it clear to China that it will not tolerate its provocations.
- In addition to the points I mentioned in the previous article, here are some other things that India can do to address the issue of stapled visas:
- India can continue to raise the issue at international forums, such as the United Nations and the G20.
- India can work with other countries in the region to develop a joint strategy on how to deal with China.
- India can strengthen its military capabilities in the region, in order to deter China from further provocations.


