Visa rules regarding the 60-day cooling-off period for tourists have been relaxed "slightly", Home Minister P Chidambaram said on Thursday. Addressing a press conference here, he said a foreigner who uses India as a base to go to neighbouring countries can avail of three re-entries within 60 days if he has the sufficient itinerary.
He insisted that an overwhelming majority of tourists visiting India would not be affected by the new visa policy of the government. To a question, Chidambaram said the Ministry of External Affairs and his Ministry are on the same page on the visa issue.
His comment assumes significance as Minister of State for External Affairs Shashi Tharoor had questioned tightening of visa rules, contending that it could make India "less welcoming" destination for tourists. Tharoor, however, has faced flak for it with External Affairs Minister S M Krishna asserting that he is the boss of the ministry and making it clear to Tharoor that he has to toe the policies decided by him.
"The broad policy parameters are dictated, decided by the Minister in-charge of External Affairs of this country and everyone will have to fall on the same page," he had said after a meeting with Tharoor.
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