In a significant step towards improving relations, India and China have agreed to resume direct passenger air services after nearly five years, according to India’s foreign ministry. The agreement comes after a meeting between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. Both sides will negotiate the framework for resuming flights at an early date, marking progress in mending ties after the deadly 2020 border clash in the Himalayas.
The two Asian powers, whose relations soured after the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, have seen recent signs of rapprochement. China’s foreign ministry confirmed on Tuesday that officials at the vice-ministerial level have also agreed to facilitate the exchange of journalists between the two nations. Additionally, both countries pledged to continue dialogue on functional exchanges through the India-China Expert Level Mechanism.
Tensions between India and China led to India banning several Chinese apps, restricting investments, and halting passenger flights, though cargo routes remained operational. However, relations have improved with multiple high-level meetings, including talks between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in October 2024.
During Monday’s meeting, Wang Yi emphasized the need for mutual support and understanding, urging both nations to overcome “suspicion” and “alienation.” The Indian foreign ministry highlighted discussions on resolving economic and trade issues to ensure policy transparency and predictability.
Despite the progress, a new hydropower project approved by China in Tibet has raised concerns in India. The massive dam, located on the Yarlung Zangbo River (known as the Brahmaputra in India), is expected to generate 300 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually. India and Bangladesh have expressed apprehension about the project’s potential impact on downstream water resources. India has called for transparency and consultation to protect the interests of downstream states.
China has assured cooperation on cross-border rivers, with both sides agreeing to hold further discussions at an early date.
The two nations have also agreed to resume Indian pilgrimages to Tibet’s sacred mountains and lakes in 2025. This symbolic gesture is expected to strengthen cultural ties. Additionally, both sides reaffirmed their commitment to addressing bilateral issues through dialogue.
The resumption of direct flights and other measures signal a thaw in relations between the world’s two most populous nations, offering hope for improved cooperation in the future.