Positive progress in helping Indian students rejoin colleges, says China

Beijing: China claimed that positive progress is being made in bringing Indian students back to the country and helping them rejoin their colleges.

Thousands of Indian students who have enrolled in Chinese universities have been stranded in their home country due to Covid-19 restrictions. India has initiated conversations about the same several times. China recently relaxed its international travel restrictions.

Last month, China lifted the visa ban for Indian professionals and their families. But, there have been no regular flights between China and India since November 2020.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman, Wang Wenbin, told the media that positive progress has been made in facilitating the return of Indian students to China. "The departments in charge of this matter from both sides will continue to work closely with each other for the early return of the first batch of Indian students who wish to resume their studies in China."

According to data, over 23,000 Indian students are enrolled in Chinese educational institutes and most of them are studying medicine. Beijing has sought the names of those who want to return immediately to pursue studies. India had submitted a list of several hundred students.

Students from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Russia, and several other nations started arriving in China on chartered flights over the past few weeks. Beijing has been reportedly reviewing the list of Indian students.

Regarding direct flights between India and China, Wang said that resuming direct flights is conducive to travel and exchanges and cooperation in various sectors. "It is in the interest of both sides." He added that Beijing hopes that India will work with China in the same direction for the early resumption of direct flights to ensure a safe and orderly flow of personnel.