China and India Agree to Resume Direct Commercial Flights After Five Years
A New Chapter in Warming Relations
In a significant step toward improving ties, China and India have announced the resumption of direct commercial flights between their countries after a five-year hiatus. This breakthrough comes as a testament to the gradual warming of relations between the world’s two most populous nations, which had been strained since the early days of the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent geopolitical tensions. The decision was announced on Monday during a meeting between India’s Foreign Secretary, Vikram Misri, and Chinese Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, in Beijing. Both countries have reached an “in principle” consensus to restart direct air services, with officials expected to finalize the details in the coming weeks.
The suspension of flights dates back to early 2020, when the COVID-19 pandemic first emerged. However, even as global travel began to recover, flights between India and mainland China remained halted due to heightened political tensions. The two nations have had a fraught relationship, particularly following a deadly border clash in June 2020 that left at least 24 soldiers dead in the disputed Himalayan border region. Despite the ongoing diplomatic efforts, the lack of direct flights had become a visible symbol of the strained relations between the two Asian giants.
Pilgrimage Sites Reopen to Indian Visitors
Alongside the announcement of resuming flights, China has also agreed to reopen two sacred pilgrimage sites in western Tibet—Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar—to Indian pilgrims this year. These sites hold immense spiritual significance for followers of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and the Bon faith, attracting thousands of pilgrims annually. The decision to reopen these sites is seen as a positive gesture by China to strengthen cultural and religious ties with India. For years, Indian pilgrims have faced challenges in visiting these sites due to the closure of borders and geopolitical tensions, making this move a significant confidence-building measure.
A Troubled History: The Border Dispute and Its Impact
The announcement of resuming flights and reopening pilgrimage sites marks a noticeable shift in the trajectory of India-China relations, which have been complicated by a long-standing border dispute. The two countries share a 2,100-mile (3,379-kilometer) de facto border known as the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which has remained poorly defined since the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Tensions flared in June 2020 when soldiers from both sides engaged in a violent hand-to-hand combat in the Galwan Valley, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers.
Since then, both nations have maintained a heavy military presence along the LAC, with periodic reports of skirmishes and standoffs. However, gradual efforts to ease tensions have been underway. In October last year, a rare meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the sidelines of the BRICS summit in Russia marked a turning point. The two leaders signaled their willingness to move beyond the recent hostilities and work toward a more stable relationship.
Public Reaction: Hope and Excitement
The news of the resumption of direct flights has been met with enthusiasm from people on both sides of the border. On Chinese social media platforms like Weibo, users shared personal stories and expressed their excitement about the opportunity to visit India once again. One Chinese netizen recounted how he had booked a flight to India in February 2020, only for it to be canceled due to the pandemic. After years of waiting, he wrote, “The wait lasted for five years… Must go to India.”
Another user expressed his eagerness to attend the vibrant Indian festival of Holi, also known as the festival of colors, which involves widespread celebrations with colored powder and water. “Is there a chance to make it to Holi in March?” he wondered. For many, the resumption of direct flights means more than just easier travel—it represents a chance to reconnect with a country whose culture, history, and people have long fascinated them.
Challenges Ahead: The Long Road to Normalization
While the announcement has been welcomed, challenges remain in fully normalizing relations between India and China. For one, the lack of direct flights for five years has created a logistical nightmare for travelers. Currently, passengers traveling between Indian cities and mainland China are forced to transit through third countries such as Hong Kong, Bangkok, or Kuala Lumpur, adding six to 10 hours to their journey. This has been particularly frustrating for students and professionals who frequently travel between the two countries.
Anayat Ali, an Indian PhD student in Shanghai, summed up the sentiment of many when he told CNN, “With direct flights, I can visit family more frequently, reduce expenses, and avoid the stress of layovers.” He and other Indian students in China have long been advocating for the resumption of direct flights, complaining about the high ticket prices and inconvenience caused by indirect routes.
Despite the optimism, some remain skeptical about the pace of progress. On Weibo, one user pointed out that the agreement to resume flights is only “in principle” and that “the devil is in the details.” Past negotiations have dragged on for months, and some worry that bureaucratic delays could dampen the enthusiasm of travelers and businesses alike.
Looking Ahead: A Path to Deeper Cooperation
The resumption of direct flights is more than just a logistical convenience—it is a symbolic step toward healing the rifts of the past five years. For both India and China, this move represents an opportunity to rebuild economic and cultural ties that have been strained for far too long. As flights between the two nations take to the skies once again, they carry with them the hopes of thousands of travelers, pilgrims, students, and business professionals eager to reconnect with a country that has been out of reach for half a decade.
The reopening of Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar is another step in this direction, underscoring the shared cultural and spiritual heritage of the two nations. As one Chinese netizen mused about the possibility of attending Holi, it is clear that this renewed connectivity has the potential to foster greater mutual understanding and friendship between the people of India and China.
While the road to complete normalization will undoubtedly be long and fraught with challenges, the resumption of direct flights is a promising start. For two nations that account for over a third of the world’s population, this small step could be the beginning of a giant leap toward a more cooperative and harmonious future.
