India and China Reignite Direct Flights After Nearly Five-Year Hiatus

"India and China Resume Direct Flights After Five Years"

India and China will resume direct flights after five years, improving relations following a deadly border dispute and recent diplomatic talks.

Alex Chen28 January 2025Last Update : 2 days ago

India, China to Resume Direct Flights After Nearly Five Years

www.nytimes.com

India and China have agreed to resume direct flights between the two countries after nearly five years, marking a significant step in improving relations. The announcement was made on January 28, 2025, following a visit by India’s foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, to Beijing, where discussions also included enhanced access for journalists and pilgrimage facilitation to a Hindu shrine in Tibet.

5 Key Takeaways

India and China resume direct flights after five years.
Agreements on journalist access and pilgrimages.
Relationship improved after 2020 border skirmishes.
Modi and Xi's first talks in five years.
Misri's visit aimed to stabilize ties.

Fast Answer: India and China announced the resumption of direct flights after nearly five years, alongside agreements to improve journalist access and facilitate pilgrimages to a Tibetan shrine. This development follows a series of diplomatic talks aimed at stabilizing relations after tensions over a border dispute.

The resumption of direct flights between India and China comes after a prolonged period of strained relations, primarily due to a border dispute that escalated in 2020. The situation deteriorated after a skirmish led to casualties on both sides, marking a low point in their diplomatic ties.

Recent months have seen significant diplomatic engagement, culminating in a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in October 2024. This was their first formal discussion in five years, facilitated by extensive negotiations between military and diplomatic representatives aimed at disengaging forces along the contested border.

Key points from the recent agreements include:

Resumption of direct flights between India and China.
Improved access for journalists from both nations.
Facilitation of pilgrimages to a Hindu shrine in Tibet.

Misri’s visit to Beijing was described as an effort to stabilize and rebuild ties, indicating a mutual interest in restoring normalcy in relations. The agreements reflect a broader trend of thawing relations between the two countries, which have historically had complex interactions.

Notice: Canadian travelers should be aware that the resumption of direct flights may impact travel plans to Asia. It is advisable to check for updates on flight availability and travel advisories before planning any trips.

The recent agreements between India and China signify a hopeful turn in their bilateral relations, with the resumption of direct flights and enhanced cooperation in various areas. This development may pave the way for further diplomatic engagements in the future.