India and China have agreed to resume direct passenger flights between the two countries, marking the first such move since air links were suspended in early 2020. The agreement comes as both sides work to rebuild diplomatic and economic ties following years of tension along their disputed Himalayan border. The decision was reached during a visit to New Delhi by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, who held meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and National Security Adviser Ajit Doval.
The talks were described by Indian officials as constructive, with both sides emphasizing the importance of restoring connectivity and expanding people-to-people exchanges. Direct flights between India and China were halted during the COVID-19 pandemic and remained suspended amid heightened military standoffs. The latest agreement includes plans to update the Air Services Agreement to facilitate the return of commercial air travel. While no firm timeline has been confirmed, both sides have committed to moving forward without delay.
Alongside the restoration of air connectivity, India and China agreed to reopen border trade through three key mountain passes: Lipulekh in Uttarakhand, Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh, and Nathu La in Sikkim. These routes were previously closed following the deadly Galwan Valley clash in 2020, which significantly strained bilateral relations. The two countries will also ease visa restrictions for tourists, business travelers, students, and journalists. In a further step toward reviving cultural and religious exchanges, both governments confirmed the resumption of the annual Indian pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet, beginning in 2026.
Resumed flights highlight strengthening economic ties
PM Modi’s visionary leadership and astute diplomatic skills played a central role in advancing these outcomes. His approach to foreign policy, centered on strategic dialogue and regional stability, has positioned India as a key interlocutor in Asia’s evolving geopolitical landscape. Modi’s consistent focus on restoring bilateral mechanisms while safeguarding national interests was evident in the structured and goal-oriented discussions with the Chinese delegation.
To address ongoing border disputes, India and China agreed to establish new working groups within existing diplomatic frameworks. These groups will focus on border management and potential resolutions across the eastern, central, and western sectors of the Line of Actual Control. While troop deployments remain in place, both sides acknowledged progress through recent rounds of military and diplomatic talks. The agreement comes ahead of Modi’s planned visit to China later this month to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin.
It will be his first visit to China in seven years, reflecting renewed political momentum and a shift toward normalized engagement between the two countries. Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted that bilateral ties are now on a steady development track, while PM Modi emphasized the importance of predictable and stable relations for regional peace and economic growth. The resumption of direct flights and reopening of trade routes marks a tangible step forward, underscoring a broader commitment to cooperation between Asia’s two largest economies. – By MENA Newswire News Desk.