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India, China to Resume Direct Flights After 5 Years

In a significant step towards normalizing relations, India and China have agreed in principle to resume direct flights between the two nations. This announcement comes nearly five years after the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent political tensions led to a suspension of air services.

The decision was revealed following a high-level visit to Beijing by Vikram Misri, India’s foreign ministry secretary. Misri’s trip marked one of the most senior official visits since the deadly border clashes in 2020 that strained ties between the two Asian giants.

India’s foreign ministry confirmed that both sides will appoint technical authorities to negotiate an updated framework for air services “at an early date.”

Beyond aviation, the two countries committed to enhancing diplomatic efforts to “restore mutual trust and confidence” and resolve ongoing trade and economic issues.

This development builds on recent progress in bilateral relations. In October 2024, India and China reached an agreement to end a four-year military stand-off on their shared Himalayan border. The breakthrough was followed by a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, marking the first formal talks between the leaders in five years.

Despite the positive signals, Indian officials have emphasized a cautious approach in rebuilding ties, with resumption of flights and streamlined visa processes expected to serve as early trust-building measures.

Relations between the world’s two most populous nations have been fraught since 2020, when clashes on the western Himalayan frontier resulted in casualties on both sides. The aftermath saw India banning Chinese mobile applications, severing air links, and imposing stricter rules on Chinese investments.

 

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