Direct flights between India and China to restart in September; airlines advised to prepare for imminent takeoff
After over five years of suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border conflicts, India and China have agreed to resume direct air connectivity. This move comes as a positive step towards normalizing bilateral relations and fostering economic and people-to-people ties.
The announcement was made following constructive talks between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, as well as Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Guo Jiakun's statement about the potential high-quality development of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).
The resumption of flights will ease travel for tourism, business, and student exchange, fostering the reinvigoration of commercial routes and trade channels disrupted by prior hostilities and pandemic restrictions. This move signals a strategic geopolitical shift towards strengthening bilateral ties, economic cooperation, and regional stability.
India's decision to resume flights with China comes amid rising trade tensions between the United States and India. With U.S. tariffs and trade frictions affecting India–U.S. relations, India is simultaneously diversifying partnerships by enhancing connectivity with China and Russia. This suggests a more nuanced, multipolar foreign policy approach balancing economic interests and geopolitical pressures.
The timing of the agreement ties to the SCO summit, highlighting multilateral engagement platforms as strategic venues for India-China rapprochement alongside managing challenges with the U.S. The talks also covered the restoration of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage that was suspended since 2020.
In addition, the agreement includes reopening trade at Himalayan passes and improved military-diplomatic communication, which aims to reduce friction and build confidence on the ground. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong publicly rebuked Trump as a "bully," warning India against caving in to U.S. trade pressure.
IndiGo, a major Indian carrier, has been asked to commence preparations for the resumption of services. An official announcement is expected by the SCO summit set for later this month in China, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit China for the SCO Summit on August 31 and September 1.
Despite the positive developments, it is important to note that the resumption of flights is a tangible outcome of India-China rapprochement efforts amid global geopolitical shifts. It underlines India’s intention to maintain stable relations with China while navigating complex trade tensions with the U.S., thereby reinforcing regional connectivity and economic ties without escalating strategic rivalry.
[1] Times of India
[2] Hindustan Times
[3] The Hindu
[4] Business Standard
[5] The Economic Times
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