India and China have agreed in principle to resume direct flights between the two countries, marking a significant step toward normalizing relations after nearly five years of suspension. The flights were halted due to the Covid-19 pandemic and heightened political tensions, including a deadly border clash in 2020.
The breakthrough was announced following a visit to Beijing by India’s Foreign Ministry Secretary Vikram Misri, one of the most senior Indian officials to travel to China since the 2020 skirmish. Misri’s visit underscores renewed diplomatic efforts between the two nations, which are home to the world’s largest populations.
In a statement, India’s Foreign Ministry confirmed the agreement: “The visit by a senior envoy to Beijing has led to an agreement in principle to resume direct air services between the two countries. The relevant technical authorities on both sides will meet and negotiate an updated framework for this purpose at an early date.”
The Indian statement also revealed that China had agreed to reinstate a pilgrimage to a Hindu shrine dedicated to the deity Krishna, which had been suspended since the start of the pandemic. Both sides expressed their commitment to diplomacy, pledging to “restore mutual trust and confidence” and address lingering trade and economic issues.
Before the suspension, there were approximately 500 direct flights per month between the two countries, according to Indian media reports. However, flights to mainland China have not resumed since early 2020, despite services to Hong Kong restarting as pandemic restrictions eased.
China’s Foreign Ministry did not specifically mention the flight agreement but emphasized broader efforts to improve ties. “The improvement and development of China-India relations is fully in line with the fundamental interests of the two countries,” its statement said.
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Relations between the two nations remain complex, shaped by their rivalry for strategic influence in South Asia and the legacy of the 2020 border conflict, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers. The fallout prompted India to take economic measures against China, including bans on Chinese apps like TikTok and restrictions on Chinese investment in critical sectors.
Diplomatic efforts have intensified in recent months. Last October, India and China agreed on military disengagement at a contested border point, a move that preceded a rare meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping — their first formal discussion in five years.
Misri’s visit to Beijing also follows a diplomatic tour by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, a key ally of Prime Minister Modi, further indicating the two nations’ intent to stabilize relations.
As technical negotiations for the resumption of flights move forward, the agreement signals cautious optimism for improved ties between the Asian giants.