The agreement follows high-level talks aimed at fostering cooperation and easing past tensions between the two nations.
India and China Set to Reopen Direct Flights After Years of Tension
India and China Set to Reopen Direct Flights After Years of Tension
Bilateral relations improve as direct air travel is reinstated following a lengthy suspension due to border disputes.
India and China have reached an agreement to resume direct flights for the first time in nearly five years, marking a significant step toward improving relations that have been strained by a deadly border conflict. This development comes as both countries have engaged in ongoing dialogue and negotiations designed to repair their historically complex relationship.
Following discussions held last October between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a summit in Russia, the foreign ministers of both nations have taken moves to stabilize ties. The recent discussions not only focused on resuming flights but also included initiatives to enhance the flow of information between journalists in both countries and facilitate Hindu pilgrimages to sacred sites in Tibet.
An Indian foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, had traveled to Beijing, where he emphasized the need for greater collaboration and understanding. His visit comes after a series of diplomatic exchanges and military discussions aimed at deescalating tensions, particularly along the contested Himalayan border where conflict erupted in 2020.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi echoed the sentiments for deeper cooperation, urging both nations to overcome barriers of suspicion and alienation. Despite ongoing challenges, the resurgence of direct flights is seen as a promising indication that both India and China are ready to navigate their differences constructively and promote greater connectivity. Follow-up discussions are expected to refine the logistics for resuming flights, which had been halted since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
Following discussions held last October between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during a summit in Russia, the foreign ministers of both nations have taken moves to stabilize ties. The recent discussions not only focused on resuming flights but also included initiatives to enhance the flow of information between journalists in both countries and facilitate Hindu pilgrimages to sacred sites in Tibet.
An Indian foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, had traveled to Beijing, where he emphasized the need for greater collaboration and understanding. His visit comes after a series of diplomatic exchanges and military discussions aimed at deescalating tensions, particularly along the contested Himalayan border where conflict erupted in 2020.
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi echoed the sentiments for deeper cooperation, urging both nations to overcome barriers of suspicion and alienation. Despite ongoing challenges, the resurgence of direct flights is seen as a promising indication that both India and China are ready to navigate their differences constructively and promote greater connectivity. Follow-up discussions are expected to refine the logistics for resuming flights, which had been halted since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
