In a significant move towards mending bilateral relations, India and China have agreed to resume direct air services after nearly five years of suspension. This decision was announced following a meeting between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
Background
Direct flights between the two nations were halted in 2020 amid escalating tensions following a deadly military clash in the Galwan Valley along the disputed Himalayan border. The incident led to a severe strain in diplomatic and economic ties, including the suspension of passenger flights, though cargo flights continued to operate.
Details of the Agreement
Both countries have agreed to negotiate a framework for the resumption of direct flights, with discussions set to take place at an early date. The agreement also includes facilitating the exchange of journalists, aiming to promote mutual understanding and cooperation.
Recent Diplomatic Engagements
This development follows a series of high-level meetings aimed at improving bilateral relations. In October 2024, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping held talks in Russia, marking a thaw in relations. Additionally, both nations have agreed to resume dialogue on functional exchanges and cooperation on cross-border rivers, addressing mutual concerns about environmental impacts of hydropower projects in Tibet.
Future Prospects
The resumption of direct flights is expected to enhance people-to-people contact, boost trade, and facilitate cultural exchanges between the two Asian giants. Both sides have expressed a commitment to resolving specific concerns in economic and trade areas, promoting long-term policy transparency and predictability.
The agreement to resume direct air services signifies a positive step towards normalizing relations between India and China. As both nations work towards rebuilding trust and cooperation, the resumption of flights is anticipated to play a crucial role in strengthening bilateral ties.
