India and China have agreed to resume direct commercial flights for the first time in five years, a significant development following years of tension and disruption. This agreement comes after a lengthy suspension due to political tensions and the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. The decision emerged from a meeting between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, marking a step towards easing strained relations.
The long-awaited resumption of flights aims to facilitate smoother travel between the two nations. Previously, passengers endured lengthy layovers in cities like Hong Kong, Bangkok, and Kuala Lumpur. A direct flight between New Delhi and Beijing, once completed in just seven hours, had become a cumbersome journey stretching 6-10 hours. Anayat Ali, an Indian PhD student in Shanghai, expressed relief over the news, stating:
"With direct flights, I can visit family more frequently, reduce expenses and avoid the stress of layovers." – Anayat Ali, an Indian PhD student in Shanghai
The need for renewed cooperation intensified after the June 2020 border clash in the Himalayas, which resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers. Since then, both countries have been involved in disengagement talks and agreements on military patrolling to mitigate future conflicts. The recent decision to restore flights signifies an effort to ease bilateral tensions further.
Currently, travelers between India and China must navigate indirect routes through Hong Kong due to the absence of direct flights to mainland China. The resumption of these flights will benefit students, business travelers, and tourists eager to bypass the inconvenience and extra costs of indirect travel.
In recent months, efforts to stabilize relations have included high-profile meetings between Chinese leader Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during the BRICS summit in Russia. Discussions around reopening Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in western Tibet to Indian pilgrims also underscore a collaborative spirit aimed at fostering goodwill.
The Line of Actual Control (LAC), a contentious de facto border since the 1962 war between India and China, remains a sensitive issue despite these diplomatic overtures. While challenges persist, the agreement to resume flights demonstrates a mutual interest in addressing practical concerns impacting citizens on both sides.
A Chinese netizen on Weibo captured the sense of anticipation surrounding this development:
"The wait lasted for five years… Must go to India." – A Chinese netizen on Weibo
India had suspended all tourist visas early into the pandemic as part of efforts to curb the spread of Covid-19. Flights between India and mainland China were halted at the pandemic's onset and remained suspended amid subsequent political tensions. With this new agreement, both nations hope to reinstate a vital connection that fosters economic and cultural exchanges.
