Incidentally, though intelligence agencies maintain their reservations over easing of tourist visa norms for Chinese nationals, there is a realization within the home ministry that keeping China out of the list of 150 countries that will be granted e-tourist visa facility this fiscal would send a wrong signal.
MHA frowns over 'visa on arrival' for Chinese tourists, brushes aside tourism ministry plan
The home ministry, which reviewed the matter on Monday but failed to firm up its stand in the wake of stiff opposition from RAW and IB, will hold a final discussion with the foreign ministry later this week and place its comments "for final clearance at the highest level," government sources told TOI.
According to intelligence agencies, allowing e-tourist visa, easing of the two-month restriction on consecutive visits made on tourist visas and doing away with the norm requiring home ministry's clearance for each conference visa application by a Chinese national was fraught with risks. The agencies cited overstay by Chinese citizens in India as well as past instances of some taking to spying.
China excited about India's visa-on-arrival plan
However, there were counter-arguments as well at the meeting chaired by
China keeps India out of visa-free transit policy
As for the fear of overstay, the official said Nigerians were a far bigger threat, as 1,589 of them were found to be overstaying in 2013 compared to 357 Chinese nationals. Sources said there was a strong likelihood of the intelligence agencies' reservations being overruled at the highest level, paving the way for an easier visa regime with China ahead of Modi's visit. This would include streamlining of normal visa regime with China based on reciprocity.