China and India have reached a significant agreement to resume direct commercial flights for the first time in five years, marking a positive step in diplomatic relations between the two populous nations. The decision comes after years of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic and political tensions that followed.
Before 2020, several direct flights connected major cities in India and China. However, the pandemic led to the suspension of these routes, with subsequent border clashes further delaying any attempts at reinstatement. The new agreement, confirmed by both the Indian Ministry of External Affairs and China’s Foreign Ministry, sets the stage for flights to restart soon, although specific timelines and operational details are still being finalized.
The restoration of flights is expected to benefit not only business travelers and students but also tourists and cultural enthusiasts. Indian students studying in China, who previously faced high travel costs and long layovers, have welcomed the announcement. Many students had to travel via third countries such as Hong Kong, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur, which significantly increased travel time and expenses.
Alongside the agreement to resume flights, China has announced that it will reopen Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet to Indian pilgrims. These sites hold deep spiritual significance for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and followers of the Bon tradition. The reopening of these sacred locations is a key diplomatic move, signaling efforts to improve bilateral relations.
For years, Indian pilgrims visited these sites through designated routes, but COVID-19 restrictions halted travel. The resumption of access to these religious sites aligns with India’s broader diplomatic engagements with China.
The resumption of flights comes in the wake of significant diplomatic efforts to ease tensions between the two countries. Relations were severely strained after the June 2020 border clash in the Galwan Valley, where soldiers from both sides engaged in a deadly confrontation. Since then, both governments have engaged in multiple rounds of border negotiations to stabilize relations.
The rare meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in October 2023 signaled a shift toward improved diplomatic engagement. The latest agreement on flights and pilgrimage access reflects continuing efforts to strengthen bilateral ties.
The resumption of direct flights is expected to enhance trade, tourism, and educational exchanges between the two nations. India and China have strong economic ties, and easier air connectivity will facilitate business interactions.
For Chinese tourists, the decision also opens up opportunities to visit India’s cultural and historical attractions. Many travelers on Chinese social media platforms have expressed excitement about visiting India for festivals like Holi. Others have shared their long-awaited plans to explore Indian heritage sites, cuisine, and markets.
At the same time, Indian travelers, including professionals and students, will benefit from direct routes that reduce travel time and costs. Airlines operating between the two nations will likely see increased demand, potentially leading to competitive fares and more flight options.
While the agreement is a major step forward, it remains an “agreement in principle,” with details yet to be finalized. There is cautious optimism among travelers, with some expressing skepticism over how soon flights will actually resume.
Nevertheless, the development represents a thaw in relations and a promising step for increased people-to-people exchanges between China and India. If successfully implemented, the return of direct flights could pave the way for broader cooperation in trade, tourism, and cultural diplomacy.
