India to fast-track China visas after businesses hit by delays

India’s government is finalizing rules to cut down visa delays for Chinese technicians, responding to complaints from businesses who say the restrictions are hurting the country’s ability to become a manufacturing hub.

The Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade is working with the ministries of home and external affairs to put in place a framework that will fast-track visas for engineers and technicians needed to install Chinese-made machines in Indian factories, people familiar with the matter said. The aim is to cut down the visa processing time to within 30 days from the 4-5 months it currently takes, the people said, asking not to be identified as the discussions are private.