Beijing/New Delhi: India and China have agreed to resume direct air services for the first time in nearly five years, marking a significant step toward improving bilateral relations after a deadly military clash in 2020 on their disputed Himalayan border, India’s foreign ministry announced on Monday.
The decision to reopen air routes follows a meeting between India’s top diplomat and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during which both nations expressed a shared desire for closer cooperation. The two countries will now negotiate a framework for these flights, with the first discussions set to occur at an “early date”. China’s foreign ministry confirmed the agreement on Tuesday, adding that officials at the vice-ministerial level also discussed facilitating the exchange of journalists between the two countries.
Relations between India and China deteriorated sharply after the 2020 border clash, which led to a freeze in many bilateral engagements. India responded by making it harder for Chinese companies to invest, banning hundreds of Chinese apps, and severing passenger air links. However, direct cargo flights between the nations continued without interruption.
Over the past four months, diplomatic relations have improved with high-level meetings, including a key discussion between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Russia in October. During Monday’s meeting, Wang Yi emphasized the importance of mutual cooperation, advocating for a shared direction that promotes long-term policy transparency and predictability in both economic and trade sectors.
The Indian foreign ministry highlighted that the talks addressed specific concerns in the trade and economic areas, with an aim to resolve existing issues and create a more stable framework for cooperation.
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In a step toward restoring diplomatic channels, both countries agreed to resume functional exchanges gradually, beginning with a meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism. Wang Yi also emphasized the importance of mutual support, rather than suspicion, in their relationship.
While progress is being made in bilateral relations, tensions have flared over China’s approval of a hydropower dam project in Tibet on the Yarlung Zangbo River. The dam, which is set to be the largest of its kind globally, raised concerns in India and Bangladesh, particularly regarding potential impacts on water supplies in the Brahmaputra River. Indian officials have called for transparency and consultation in China’s hydropower plans, urging that the interests of downstream states be considered.
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In response to these concerns, China reassured that its hydropower projects would not significantly affect the environment or downstream water supplies. Both sides agreed to continue cooperation on issues related to cross-border rivers, with plans to hold further meetings soon.
Additionally, the two nations agreed to push for the resumption of pilgrimages by Indian devotees to Tibet’s sacred mountains and lakes in 2025, a key element of their ongoing diplomatic engagement.
