Resumption of Direct Flights Between China and India to Support Pilgrimage
China and India have decided to reestablish direct commercial flights, marking a significant step in their bilateral relations after a five-year hiatus.
Summary
China and India have agreed to resume direct commercial flights for the first time in five years, confirming this through their respective foreign ministries. The announcement comes along with the reopening of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar to Indian pilgrims this year, bolstering religious tourism between the two nations.
Details
The two sacred destinations are highly revered in Hinduism and Buddhism. Flights between India and China had been suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic in early 2020, and subsequent political tensions kept routes inactive.
The discussion was officiated during a meeting where India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated that both countries reached a consensus “in principle to resume direct air services,” with further plans to finalize the details shortly.
