India and China Resuming Direct Flights

India and China agreed to resume direct flights and enhance trade and investment interactions following improvements in their bilateral ties that had been strained since a border clash in 2020. The two nations are cautiously rekindling their relationship against the backdrop of unpredictable U.S. foreign policy under President Donald Trump, engaging in a series of high-level visits.

The agreement includes the resumption of direct flights, the reopening of border trade at three designated points, and assistance with visa facilitation, as stated by India’s Foreign Ministry. Direct flights had been suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, with no date set for their restoration.

These developments arise after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s two-day visit to New Delhi, where he engaged in the 24th round of discussions with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval to address the long-standing border dispute.

Topics discussed included the withdrawal of troops amassed on the Himalayan border and border delimitation. Both nations have agreed to establish a working group to discuss border issues and improve the demarcation negotiation process. A Chinese foreign ministry statement indicated that discussions would extend to cover the eastern and middle sections of the border.

Beijing also mentioned that both countries look forward to a meeting in China in 2026. Prime Minister Narendra Modi noted on social media that, “Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity.” Modi is also scheduled to visit China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, marking his first trip there in over seven years.

Source: Reuters