India–China direct flights resume as relations improve

Direct commercial flights between India and China have officially resumed, marking a significant step in the gradual normalisation of relations between the two Asian giants after years of diplomatic tension.

On Monday, IndiGo flight 6E 1703 from Kolkata touched down in the southern Chinese city of

Guangzhou, carrying around 180 passengers. The flight marks the first direct connection between the two countries since air services were suspended in early 2020 following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic.

The suspension of flights persisted long after global travel restrictions eased, as tensions between New Delhi and Beijing deepened following a deadly clash in the disputed Himalayan border region in 2020.

The incident, which resulted in casualties on both sides, severely strained bilateral ties and halted many channels of engagement.

However, recent developments suggest a cautious thaw. In 2024, India and China reached a landmark agreement on managing border patrols — a move widely interpreted as a step toward rebuilding mutual trust.

Officials from both sides have since expressed willingness to expand dialogue and restore cooperation in trade, travel, and cultural exchanges.

In a statement announcing the resumption of flights earlier this month, the Indian government said the move would “facilitate people-to-people contact” and support “the gradual normalisation of bilateral exchanges.”

Diplomatic analysts say the revival of direct flights is symbolic of a broader attempt to stabilise relations between the neighbours, who share one of the world’s most complex and closely watched borders.

While challenges remain — particularly over unresolved territorial disputes — the resumption of air links is being viewed as a practical step toward restoring confidence and connectivity between two of Asia’s largest economies.