Enhanced Aviation Links Between India and China to Resume, as Bilateral Relations Strengthen, According to Modi

India and China have agreed to restore air connectivity between the two countries, marking the end of a more than five-year hiatus. This development comes following a series of meetings between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which took place on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Tianjin.

The announcement was made by Prime Minister Modi during a meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. The resumption of direct flights between India and China will allow Indian and Chinese airlines to operate services directly between their major cities, a practice that was suspended due to diplomatic tensions in 2020.

Before the suspension, airline giants such as Air India, IndiGo, and Chinese carriers like Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern operated services between the two countries. Now, with the agreement in place, IndiGo, India's largest carrier, has expressed its readiness to start flights between India and China once the services are cleared. The other large local carrier, Air India, is also expected to resume flying these routes.

The decision to allow tourist visas for Chinese nationals by India in July and the resumption of direct flights between the two countries are significant steps towards improving diplomatic relations. The meetings between the Chinese Foreign Minister and Indian Prime Minister were guided by a mutual respect for each other's interests.

The economic uncertainties in the world's two most populous nations have been increased by US tariffs, particularly President Donald Trump's decision to impose punitive 50% tariffs on Indian goods over its continuing purchase of Russian oil. However, the agreement to facilitate bilateral trade and investments, reached in August, and the resumption of direct flights between India and China indicate a positive trajectory for economic cooperation between the two nations.

Diplomatic ties between India and China hit a low point in 2020 following border clashes, which led to the suspension of direct flights between the two countries. Since then, the connection between the two nations never resumed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The recent meetings and agreements suggest a new chapter in the relationship between India and China, with both nations working towards strengthening their ties.

In conclusion, the resumption of direct flights between India and China is a positive step towards improving diplomatic and economic relations between the two nations. While the exact date for the resumption of direct flights has not been provided, both countries are working towards easing visa regulations and restoring air connectivity.

Enhanced Aviation Links Between India and China to Resume, as Bilateral Relations Strengthen, According to Modi