India and China to Reinitiate Direct Flights After Five-Year Suspension

Fri Jul 18 2025 15:16:52 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)
India and China to Reinitiate Direct Flights After Five-Year Suspension

Significant political thaw facilitates agreement on resuming air travel and improving bilateral relations.


India and China have reached a landmark agreement to reinstate direct flights between the two nations, marking a significant development after nearly five years of restrictions stemming from a serious border dispute.

On January 28, 2025, India and China announced a resumption of direct flights, the latest move in ongoing diplomatic efforts to mend relations that had sharply deteriorated following deadly skirmishes along their border in 2020. These discussions were part of a broader strategy that included enhancing media access for journalists and easing pilgrimage arrangements to a Hindu shrine in Tibet. The agreement was disclosed after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit to Beijing, indicating a potential thaw in relations between the countries.

In recent months, India and China have made notable strides in restoring normal connections that had plummeted to historic lows following aggressive interactions at the contested border. The tensions escalated in 2020 when Chinese troops entered Indian territory, resulting in fatalities on both sides. The recent talks were the first direct engagement between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in five years, taking place at a summit in Russia in October 2023. These engagements followed numerous prior discussions focused on de-escalating military presence in the Himalayan region.

During his Beijing trip, Misri's discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi centered on mutual steps to stabilize ties. This included future technical meetings to iron out flight details. Direct flights had been suspended since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, with only limited routes, such as those to Hong Kong, allowed to resume. However, flights to mainland China remained dormant due to ongoing tensions.

In their dialogue, Wang underscored the need for both nations to “seize the opportunity, meet each other halfway,” with aspirations to diminish mutual distrust and alienation. This sentiment reflects a hopeful shift in the long-strained relationship as both sides recognize the potential benefits of improved connections.

Reporting contributed by Berry Wang from Hong Kong and Mujib Mashal, South Asia bureau chief for The Times.

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