External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said the Union is planning to further relax the visa regime "shortly" to attract more tourists and businesses to the country. Speaking at the valedictory session of the Global Investors Meet, Swaraj said, "We plan to further liberalise our visa regime for tourism, business as well as other areas shortly."
She said visa was one of the areas of concern for foreigners and Indians living abroad. She added that the government has already taken steps to address these concerns. Talking about the e-visa scheme launched in 2014, for over 100 countries, the minister said, "With the launch of the e-visa scheme, tourist arrivals in India has steadily increased." Swaraj stated that the government has unveiled initiatives to rope in NRIs and PIOs, who are a significant force to promote India's interests abroad.
A portal has been launched to redress their grievances in a time-bound manner. Sushma said FDI policy has been made more liberal, making India one of the most open countries in the world.
