India and China have held preliminary discussions to resume direct passenger flights, with no fixed dates yet.
The move comes as the two countries work on mending ties following a deadly border clash five years ago, with aviation sectors expected to benefit from improved relations.
India and China have initiated talks on resuming direct passenger air services, marking a positive step in the ongoing efforts to thaw relations between the two nations. Although no dates have been set for the resumption of flights, a civil aviation ministry official confirmed the discussions, which reflect a growing willingness to address outstanding issues and boost bilateral ties after years of strained relations.
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India’s Civil Aviation Secretary, Vumlunmang Vualnam, shared the update during a conference organized by the Indian Chamber of Commerce in New Delhi. He stated that a “round of meetings” had taken place between the Indian Ministry of Civil Aviation and its Chinese counterpart. However, he cautioned that there were still some issues to resolve before a definitive timeline could be established for the resumption of flights.
This development comes five years after the deadly border clash between Indian and Chinese troops in the Himalayas in 2020, which resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers.
The clash had significantly impacted bilateral relations, leading India to impose a range of measures against China, including restrictions on Chinese investments, banning hundreds of Chinese apps, and reducing direct flight routes. However, cargo flights between the two countries continued throughout this period.
The thawing of relations between India and China has been evident since the agreement reached in October 2023 to ease tensions along the disputed border, a step that helped reduce the military standoff in the region. That same month, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Russia, signaling a commitment to improving diplomatic and economic ties.
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In recent months, India and China have agreed to work together to resolve trade and economic differences, with the resumption of flights being one of the more tangible outcomes of this warming relationship.
The resumption of air services is seen as a significant move to restore normalcy and strengthen bilateral ties, particularly as China’s aviation sector, which lagged behind other countries’ industries in recovering from the COVID-19 pandemic, is expected to benefit from increased connectivity.
While specific details of the talks are not yet available, the prospect of renewed passenger flights is being welcomed by both sides, particularly as they look to further enhance cooperation in areas beyond defense and security. However, officials have cautioned that logistical and regulatory issues still need to be addressed before direct flights can resume.
As India and China continue their efforts to rebuild their diplomatic, trade, and economic relations, the resumption of direct flights could serve as a key symbol of the two countries’ willingness to move beyond past confrontations and strengthen bilateral cooperation for mutual benefit.
