After almost five years of suspended direct flights, India and China have agreed to resume air travel between the two nations, signaling a shift in their relations following a deadly military clash in 2020 over their disputed Himalayan border.
The agreement, confirmed by India’s foreign ministry, comes after a meeting between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The two countries will soon hold further discussions to establish a framework for the resumption of flights.
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The suspension of direct air travel since the 2020 border conflict had led to tensions, with India tightening restrictions on Chinese companies, banning several popular Chinese apps, and reducing passenger flight routes. Despite the travel restrictions, direct cargo flights between India and China had continued.
However, in recent months, relations between the two nations have begun to thaw. Notable meetings, including one between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Russia this past October, have helped improve diplomatic ties.
During his meeting with Misri on Monday, Wang Yi emphasized the need for both countries to work collaboratively, move towards resolving economic and trade issues, and foster long-term political stability and transparency.
“Mutual support and achievements should guide our relationship, rather than doubt and alienation,” Wang stated, reflecting the positive tone of their discussions. This meeting follows a historic agreement in October aimed at easing tensions along their shared border.
While Indian civil aviation authorities had resisted restoring air links in the past due to ongoing border disputes, there have been signs of a shift. Sources told Reuters that India may now be open to reconsidering the opening of airspace and streamlining visa approvals for Chinese nationals.
This recent diplomatic development marks a key step in the two nations’ efforts to move beyond their historical tensions and strengthen bilateral relations.
