NEW DELHI — India and China will soon restart direct passenger flights, ending a five-year suspension that began after deadly border clashes in 2020.
Flights Resume October 26
India’s largest budget carrier, IndiGo, announced it will relaunch direct flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou starting October 26.
In a statement, India’s foreign ministry confirmed the decision, saying the move will “further facilitate people-to-people contact” and contribute to the gradual normalization of bilateral exchanges.
Border Dispute Background
The two countries share a disputed 3,440 km (2,100-mile) Himalayan border, where tensions have flared for decades.
- In 2020, a violent clash in the Galwan Valley left 20 Indian soldiers and 4 Chinese soldiers dead.
- It was the first fatal confrontation since 1975, leading to a severe freeze in diplomatic and travel ties.
Steps Toward Rebuilding Relations
Over the past year, Delhi and Beijing have taken steps to de-escalate tensions:
- Agreed on new patrolling arrangements along the border.
- China allowed Indian pilgrims to visit religious sites in Tibet.
- India resumed visa services for Chinese tourists.
- Both sides agreed to resume border trade talks.
High-Level Diplomacy
Diplomatic engagement has also picked up:
- Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Delhi in August, urging both sides to act as “partners, not adversaries.”
- Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, reaffirming a commitment to normalize ties.
- Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong criticized the United States, calling it a “bully” for imposing tariffs on India and others, suggesting common ground between Delhi and Beijing.
