Visa rules relaxed `slightly`: Chidambaram

New Delhi, Dec 31 (PTI) Visa rules regarding the 60-day
cooling-off period for tourists have been relaxed "slightly",
India Home Minister P Chidambaram said 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. PTI