India and China to resume direct flights after 5 years suspension
In a major step toward rebuilding bilateral ties, right after agreeing to Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, India and China have now agreed to restart direct flights between the two countries after a five-year suspension.
The decision, announced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on January 27, comes as both nations seek to thaw relations strained by the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2020 LAC clashes in the Galwan Valley.
The announcement followed a two-day visit by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Beijing, where high-level discussions cantered on stabilizing relations. This development marks a notable shift in the diplomatic dynamics between Asia’s two giants signalling their shared intent to address mutual grievances and rebuild trust.
Direct flights between India and China were suspended in early 2020 amid the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic was not the sole factor in the prolonged suspension.
Diplomatic relations deteriorated following the deadly LAC skirmishes in 2020, which resulted in the loss of considerable lives on both sides and led to heightened military tensions along the disputed Indo Tibetan border.
Efforts to normalize ties have since been slow, hindered by a deep-seated mistrust and differing geopolitical priorities.
The prolonged hiatus in direct air connectivity further strained people-to-people exchanges, trade, and business relations.
For nearly five years, Indian and Chinese travellers had to rely on indirect routes via third countries, complicating travel logistics and increasing costs.
The recent agreement to restore direct flights, therefore, represents a symbolic and practical step toward improving bilateral relations.
The decision to resume flights builds upon an agreement reached in October 2024, when New Delhi and Beijing announced a disengagement at key points of contention along the border.
This agreement came ahead of the BRICS summit in Kazan, Russia, where Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held an extensive bilateral meeting.
During the summit, both leaders expressed their commitment to restoring stability and fostering cooperation between the two nations.
The high-level talks in Beijing this January further advanced these efforts, with both sides agreeing to resume not only air services but also cooperation in areas such as pilgrimage, media exchanges, and think-tank interactions.
These steps are part of a broader strategy to rebuild trust and address long-standing issues that have hindered the full potential of their bilateral relationship.
According to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, relevant technical authorities from both countries will soon meet to negotiate an updated framework for resuming direct flights.
While no specific timeline has been announced, both sides have emphasized the need for swift action to facilitate travel and promote connectivity.
Indian media reports indicate that New Delhi had previously resisted China’s calls to resume flights, citing concerns over trade imbalances and unresolved border disputes.
The latest agreement, however, reflects a willingness to adopt a more collaborative approach.The renewed air connectivity is just one element of the broader discussions aimed at stabilizing and strengthening India-China relations.
During the Beijing talks, both sides addressed key economic and trade issues, with a focus on fostering transparency and predictability in long-term policies.
Specific concerns, such as trade deficits and market access, were reportedly discussed to create a more balanced economic partnership.
Additionally, the two nations agreed to resume dialogues on mutual areas of interest step by step. These dialogues will cover a wide range of topics, including economic cooperation, cultural exchanges, and regional stability.
By addressing each other’s priorities and concerns, India and China aim to lay the groundwork for a more constructive relationship.
The improvement in India-China relations holds broader implications for the Global South. Both countries are key players in shaping the geopolitical landscape of Asia and the whole world.
As two of the world’s largest economies and fastest-growing nations, their cooperation is vital for addressing global challenges such as climate change, trade imbalances, and regional conflicts.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted this perspective during the talks, stating that improved relations between India and China are in line with the fundamental interests of both nations and are conducive to safeguarding the legitimate rights of Global South countries.
He further emphasized that such cooperation would contribute to the peace, stability, development, and prosperity of Asia and the world.
As part of the evolving bilateral dynamic, India has pledged to extend full support for China’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO). The SCO, an influential Eurasian grouping that includes Russia, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Pakistan, and Iran, will hold its summit in China later this year.
India’s active participation in the SCO under China’s leadership underscores a shared commitment to regional cooperation despite lingering bilateral differences.
By supporting China’s SCO presidency, India aims to engage constructively within the framework of multilateral organizations. This approach not only enhances India’s regional standing but also provides an opportunity to address bilateral and multilateral issues in a collaborative setting.
While the agreement to resume direct flights and expand cooperation signals progress, significant challenges remain. The border dispute continues to cast a long shadow over India-China relations.
Despite the disengagement agreement, mutual distrust persists, with both sides maintaining a substantial military presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Economic issues also pose challenges. India has expressed concerns over its trade deficit with China, which exceeded INR 850000Crores in 2023.
Addressing these imbalances will require concerted efforts to improve market access for Indian goods and services in China.
Furthermore, public sentiment in both countries remains cautious, if not sceptical. The 2020 border clashes left a deep imprint on national consciousness, and rebuilding trust at the societal level will take time and sustained effort.
The decision to restart direct flights between India and China marks a positive step in their long and complex bilateral relationship. It reflects a mutual recognition of the need to rebuild trust, enhance connectivity, and address shared challenges.
While significant hurdles remain, the progress made in recent months demonstrates the potential for cooperation between these two Asian giants.
As India and China work toward implementing their agreements, the world will be watching closely. Their ability to navigate differences and build a more collaborative relationship will not only shape the future of Asia but also shape global geopolitics in an increasingly multipolar world.
