India and China Resume Direct Flights to Strengthen Diplomatic and Economic Ties

What's Happening?

India and China have agreed to resume direct flights for the first time in over five years, marking a significant step toward mending diplomatic ties and restoring travel links disrupted by the pandemic and a deadly border clash. The decision was announced following bilateral talks in New Delhi between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian External Affairs Minister Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. Both sides aim to restore travel and rebuild economic links, with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasizing the importance of maintaining peace and tranquility on the border. Although no date has been set, state media reported that the two governments will finalize an updated air services agreement and restart flights at the earliest opportunity. Before flights were halted, nine nonstop routes linked cities including New Delhi–Shanghai, Mumbai–Beijing, and Kolkata–Kunming, with India–China O&D traffic totaling more than 1.25 million two-way passengers annually.

Why It's Important?

The resumption of direct flights between India and China is crucial for both countries as it signifies a thawing of relations following the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Restoring air connectivity is expected to benefit tourism and business travel while supporting robust trade flows, which totaled more than $131 billion in 2024. The move could also help Indian carriers like Air India and IndiGo capture more market share in the reopened market, as Chinese carriers dominated nonstop service prior to the suspension. This development is likely to enhance economic cooperation and cultural exchange between the two nations, potentially leading to more stable diplomatic relations.

What's Next?

The next steps involve finalizing the updated air services agreement and determining the exact timeline for resuming flights. Both governments are expected to work on logistical arrangements to ensure a smooth transition back to direct connectivity. Stakeholders in the tourism and business sectors will likely monitor these developments closely, as the resumption of flights could lead to increased travel and trade opportunities. Additionally, the diplomatic community will watch for further signs of improved relations between India and China, which could have broader implications for regional stability.