In a significant step toward rebuilding bilateral ties, India and China have agreed in principle to restart direct flights between the two countries after a five-year suspension. The decision, announced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on January 27, comes as both nations seek to thaw relations strained by the Covid-19 pandemic and the 2020 border clashes in the Galwan Valley.

The announcement followed a two-day visit by India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Beijing, where high-level discussions centered on stabilizing relations. This development marks a notable shift in the diplomatic dynamics between Asia’s two largest economies, signaling their shared intent to address mutual grievances and rebuild trust.

Direct flights between India and China were suspended in early 2020 amid the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, the pandemic was not the sole factor in the prolonged suspension. Diplomatic relations deteriorated following the deadly border skirmishes in 2020, which resulted in the loss of lives on both sides and led to heightened military tensions along the disputed Himalayan border. Efforts to normalize ties have since been slow, hindered by a deep-seated mistrust and differing geopolitical priorities.

The prolonged hiatus in direct air connectivity further strained people-to-people exchanges, trade, and business relations. For nearly five years, Indian and Chinese travelers had to rely on indirect routes via third countries, complicating travel logistics and increasing costs. The recent agreement to restore direct flights, therefore, represents a symbolic and practical step toward improving bilateral relations.

The decision to resume flights builds upon an agreement reached in October 2024, when New Delhi and Beijing announced a disengagement at key points of contention along the border.........

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