India to further liberalize visa regime to woo tourists, businesses

India has said that it intends to further liberalize the visa regime in a bid to attract more tourists and businesses to the country.

"We plan to further liberalize our visa regime for tourism, business as well as other areas shortly," Indian External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj said at the Global Investors Meet in the central state of Madhya Pradesh Sunday.

She said that visa is one of the major concern areas for foreigners and Indians living abroad, and the government has already taken steps to address these issues.

India had launched the e-visa scheme for more than 100 countries in November 2014. The scheme was extended to 37 more countries this year, taking the total number to over 150.

"With the launch of the e-visa scheme, tourist arrivals in India has steadily increased," the minister said.

The e-visa allows entry of the tourists into India within 30 days from the date of approval of the electronic travel authorization and is valid for 30 days stay from the date of arrival in India.

(APD)