India-China agree to resume air travel after nearly 5 years
India and China have reached an agreement to resume direct air travel between the two countries after a gap of almost five years, according to a statement from India's Ministry of External Affairs on Monday. This development marks a positive shift in relations between the two neighbors following heightened tensions over a deadly border clash in 2020.
The two sides are set to discuss and finalize a framework for reinstating flights at an 'early date,' the ministry announced after a meeting between India’s top diplomat Vikram Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Ties between the nations deteriorated significantly after the 2020 confrontation in the disputed Himalayan region. In response, India implemented measures restricting Chinese investment, banned several widely used Chinese mobile apps, and halted passenger air services, though cargo flights between the two countries continued.
Over the past four months, relations have shown signs of improvement, highlighted by several high-level interactions. These include discussions between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a meeting in Russia in October.
During Monday’s meeting in Beijing, Wang Yi emphasized the need for India and China to work collaboratively, explore practical solutions, and foster mutual understanding. 'Both nations should take substantive measures to enhance trust and cooperation,' he stated.
India’s foreign ministry also noted that economic and trade concerns were discussed with the aim of addressing key issues and ensuring greater transparency and stability in policies.
The recent meeting follows a landmark agreement reached in October to de-escalate tensions along the border. Earlier, Reuters reported that China and its airlines had approached Indian authorities to restore direct air links, but India had been hesitant due to the unresolved border dispute.
In October, Indian government officials hinted at the possibility of reopening air routes and expediting visa processes.
Both countries have also agreed to gradually resume dialogues and functional exchanges, with plans for an early meeting under the India-China Expert Level Mechanism, as confirmed by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.
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