BEIJING: India and China have agreed in principle to resume direct flights between the two countries, nearly five years after the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent political tensions led to their suspension.
The announcement was made on Monday following a visit to Beijing by Vikram Misri, India’s top career diplomat, marking one of the most senior-level engagements since the 2020 border clashes in the Himalayas that strained bilateral ties.
Agreement Details
A statement from India’s foreign ministry confirmed the agreement to restart air connectivity, stating that technical teams from both countries would meet soon to negotiate an updated framework for the resumption of flights.
“The relevant technical authorities on the two sides will meet and negotiate an updated framework for this purpose at an early date,” the statement said.
Renewed Focus on Diplomacy
The visit also underscored efforts to ease tensions and rebuild trust. Both sides reportedly committed to enhancing diplomatic engagement to restore mutual confidence and resolve outstanding trade and economic issues.
A Positive Step
The decision signals a thaw in relations between the world’s two most populous nations and could pave the way for broader cooperation in trade, travel, and other areas of mutual interest.