New Delhi: The Indian government has taken strong exception to China issuing stapled visas, instead of stamped visas, to three female Wushu players from Arunachal Pradesh.
The Indian Wushu team, which was scheduled to leave for the World University Games in China’s Chengdu, has been instructed not to board the flight.
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that it has come to the government’s notice that stapled visas were issued to some Indian citizens who were to represent the country at an international sporting event in China.
“This is unacceptable and we have lodged our strong protest with the Chinese side reiterating our consistent position on the matter and India reserves the right to suitably respond to such actions,” said Bagchi.
The flight was scheduled to depart at 1.05 am. However, even after clearing security, authorities instructed the entire team to return to their base, India Today reported.
Stapled visa has been a bone of contention in India-China relationship. China has repeatedly made territorial claims to Arunachal Pradesh, and stuck to its policy of issuing stapled visas to residents of the north-eastern state, which India has always objected to.
It remains to be seen whether the Indian government ultimately clears the national team’s trip to China.
The World University Games got underway today and will continue till August 8.
