In a notable development signaling a thaw in relations, India and China have reached an agreement to resume direct flight services after nearly five years of suspension due to heightened tensions stemming from a border dispute. The announcement follows a series of diplomatic engagements and high-level talks aimed at restoring normalcy amidst longstanding hostilities.
India and China Renew Direct Flight Services After Prolonged Suspension
India and China Renew Direct Flight Services After Prolonged Suspension
Ties between India and China show signs of warming as direct flights are set to resume, marking a significant diplomatic shift.
After almost five years, India and China have finally agreed to reinstate direct flights, marking a critical step towards mending their tumultuous relationship. The decision is particularly significant given the background of strained ties that descended into skirmishes in the Himalayas two years prior. This recent agreement, made public following Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit to Beijing, also encompasses additional diplomatic measures aimed at enhancing journalist exchanges and facilitating pilgrimages to a revered Hindu site in Tibet.
Historically, direct flights between the two nations were suspended amidst growing tensions sparked by border clashes in 2020, which resulted in casualties on both sides. However, recent diplomatic moves suggest a commitment to reducing friction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Chinese President Xi Jinping had their first substantial talks in five years at a Russia summit in October, setting the tone for subsequent negotiations between military and diplomatic leaders focused on disengaging forces deployed along their contentious border.
Following Mr. Misri's discussions in Beijing, which included an audience with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both parties voiced their intention to meet mutually beneficial agreements to mitigate persistent distrust. The two countries plan to convene technical meetings to iron out the specifics of flight operations, which have faced extended suspension since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the resumption of flights to Hong Kong.
As the dialogue continues, hopeful sentiments prevail among officials, signaling a potential new chapter in the diplomatic narrative between two of Asia's most significant powers.
Mujib Mashal serves as the South Asia bureau chief for The Times, spearheading coverage encompassing India and its neighboring nations like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan.
Historically, direct flights between the two nations were suspended amidst growing tensions sparked by border clashes in 2020, which resulted in casualties on both sides. However, recent diplomatic moves suggest a commitment to reducing friction. Prime Minister Narendra Modi of India and Chinese President Xi Jinping had their first substantial talks in five years at a Russia summit in October, setting the tone for subsequent negotiations between military and diplomatic leaders focused on disengaging forces deployed along their contentious border.
Following Mr. Misri's discussions in Beijing, which included an audience with China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both parties voiced their intention to meet mutually beneficial agreements to mitigate persistent distrust. The two countries plan to convene technical meetings to iron out the specifics of flight operations, which have faced extended suspension since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic, despite the resumption of flights to Hong Kong.
As the dialogue continues, hopeful sentiments prevail among officials, signaling a potential new chapter in the diplomatic narrative between two of Asia's most significant powers.
Mujib Mashal serves as the South Asia bureau chief for The Times, spearheading coverage encompassing India and its neighboring nations like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bhutan.
