A Diplomatic Thaw Direct Flights Return as India and China Seek Gradual Normalization
In a significant diplomatic move signaling a cautious thaw in bilateral relations India and China have agreed to resume direct passenger flight operations by late October after a five year hiatus. This development which aligns with the international winter flight schedule follows years of suspension initially due to the Covid19 pandemic in 2020 and subsequently prolonged by the military standoff along the Line of Actual Control LAC in Eastern Ladakh. The Ministry of External Affairs MEA confirmed that civil aviation authorities from both sides had been engaged in technical level discussions to resume air services and revise the existing Air Services Agreement AS A.
The decision is viewed as a concrete step toward the gradual normalization of bilateral exchanges between the two Asian giants. For travelers including students business people and families this means the end of lengthy and expensive journeys via third country hubs like Hong Kong Bangkok or Singapore which have been the only option since the suspension. The immediate commercial response has already begun with India’s largest carrier IndiGo announcing plans to resume daily non stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou starting October 26. IndiGo also indicated that services between Delhi and Guangzhou will be introduced shortly after subject to regulatory clearances. Tata Group’s flagship carrier Air India is also reportedly planning to restart services likely beginning with the Delhi to Shanghai route before the end of the year.
The resumption of these air corridors is expected to provide a substantial boost to economic and people to people contact. Despite the political freeze and military tensions the bilateral trade volume between the two nations has continued to grow reaching historic highs making efficient transport links vital for business communities. The restoration of direct flights will streamline cross border trade reduce logistical friction and enhance strategic business partnerships. The move also builds on recent diplomatic initiatives aimed at lowering the temperature including the recent resumption of certain visa categories for Chinese nationals and discussions between leaders on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation SCO Summit. While the political and military issues along the disputed border remain complex the reopening of the skies signifies a shared commitment to stabilizing the relationship and restoring essential channels of communication and exchange that benefit the citizens of both the world’s two most populous countries.