BLS International Wins MEA Contract for Visa Centres in China

23 Oct 2025 CW Team

BLS International Services Limited announced that it has secured a contract from the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to establish and operate Indian Visa Application Centres (IVACs) in China. The contract, effective from 14 October 2025, will remain valid for a period of three years.

The development follows India’s decision in July 2025 to resume the issuance of tourist visas to Chinese nationals — a move aimed at improving bilateral relations that had been strained since the Galwan Valley clashes. India had suspended tourist visas for Chinese citizens in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, with the restrictions continuing amid tensions along the eastern Ladakh border.

Under the new agreement, BLS International will establish and manage IVACs in Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou, providing comprehensive visa processing services. These centres will feature enhanced infrastructure, advanced technology, and multi-lingual staff to ensure a smooth and user-friendly experience for applicants.

“This is a significant milestone for BLS International. The IVACs will play a crucial role in delivering reliable, user-centric visa services,” said Shikhar Aggarwal, Joint Managing Director of BLS International Services Ltd.

The contract underscores BLS International’s growing footprint in global consular and visa service operations, strengthening India’s diplomatic outreach and service accessibility in China.

Equipment

23 Oct 2025

Raimondi Names New Saudi Branch Head

Raimondi Middle East has announced the appointment of Ahmad Shakkour as Branch Manager for the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, reinforcing the company’s commitment to expanding its presence in one of its key regional markets.With Saudi Arabia driving a wave of large-scale infrastructure and urban development projects, Raimondi aims to strengthen its on-ground operations and customer engagement. The company currently has over 100 cranes deployed across the country and continues to expand its technical and service teams to support growing demand.“Saudi Arabia represents a cornerstone of our regiona..

Vedanta Aluminium Patents Eco-Friendly Alloy

Vedanta Aluminium, India’s largest producer of aluminium, has secured its first product development patent for a lead- and tin-free bismuth-aluminium alloy, marking a major leap in sustainable metallurgy.Developed by the company’s in-house R&D team, the innovation replaces hazardous elements like lead and tin—currently being phased out globally—with environmentally safe bismuth. The result is a high-machinability, high-performance alloy designed for automotive, electronics, and textile applications, combining engineering precision with sustainability.“Innovation and sustainabilit..

Two Liebherr Tower Cranes Drive Major Housing Project in Ulm

A major urban development project featuring 142 new residential units, an underground car park, and a supermarket is underway in Ulm, with two Liebherr EC-B tower cranes playing a central role in construction efficiency and precision.The project, located at the corner of Karlsstraße and Neutorstraße, is being supported by Nagel Baumaschinen Ulm GmbH, a long-standing Liebherr sales and service partner, which has supplied both cranes from its rental fleet.Given the limited site space, the project team selected the 370 EC-B 16 Fibre and 202 EC-B 10 Litronic models — both known for their compa..