India and China Poised to Resume Direct Flights After Five-Year Hiatus
India and China are in advanced negotiations to resume direct flight services, which have been suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent border tensions in 2020. The move signals a potential thaw in diplomatic and economic relations ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's likely visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. The resumption of air connectivity is expected to boost trade, tourism, and people-to-people contact between the two Asian powers, marking a significant step in normalizing ties.
Unpacked:
Direct flights were suspended due to the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, followed by heightened border tensions and military standoffs between India and China along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 2020, which severely strained diplomatic relations.
Resuming direct flights will reduce travel time and costs, making business trips and tourism more convenient. This is expected to boost bilateral trade, facilitate greater movement of professionals, and increase tourist flows, thereby strengthening economic and people-to-people ties.
Despite recent diplomatic progress, unresolved border disputes along the LAC, military mistrust, and lingering suspicion still hinder full normalization. Indian officials emphasize that sustained peace and stability at the border are essential before relations can be completely normalized.
Modi's potential visit for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit signifies a willingness to engage in regional and multilateral diplomacy. It could be a platform to further reduce tensions, promote cooperation, and signal a shift toward constructive dialogue between India and China despite recent challenges.