By IANS,
New Delhi : Rejecting any rift in the government over new visa rules, Home Minister P. Chidambaram Thursday said the 60-day cooling-off period for tourists have been relaxed “slightly” and assured that it will not affect an “overwhelming number” of short-term visitors.
“There is absolutely no difference. I have talked to (External Affairs Minister) S.M. Krishna,” Chidamabaram replied when asked whether there was any difference of opinion between the home and foreign ministries over the new guidelines.
“We are not only on the same page, but we are singing the same song,” he added.
Allaying concerns over the guidelines issued Nov 4, Chidambaram said: “The overwhelming majority of tourists who visit India for a few weeks would face no difficulty whatsoever.”
Saying that a very small number of tourists use India as a hub and visit neighbouring countries, the minister said for such tourists the authorities have been allowed to relax the 60-day period and permit up to three entries into the country.
He added that such tourists have to produce an itinerary that shows visits to India and other countries are part of the same trip.
The home ministry’s new guidelines stipulate a mandatory two-month cooling off period between two visits by a foreigner coming on long-term tourist visas.