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India and China to Resume Direct Air Services After 5 Years
India and China to resume direct air services after 5 years, signaling an improvement in their bilateral relations following years of tension. The decision was announced after a meeting between India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing.
Background: Five Years of Strained Relations
Tensions between the two neighbors escalated in 2020 after a deadly military clash along their disputed Himalayan border. The incident led India to take several measures, including:
- Restricting Chinese investments.
- Banning hundreds of Chinese apps.
- Suspending passenger flights while continuing cargo services.
Recent Efforts to Improve Ties
Over the past four months, diplomatic efforts have helped restore dialogue:
- Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping met in Russia in October.
- Talks focused on easing friction along the border.
Agreement to Resume Air Links
The agreement to reestablish direct air services will be negotiated further in an upcoming meeting. The two nations also agreed to:
- Resume dialogue through the India-China Expert Level Mechanism.
- Promote functional exchanges step by step.
Focus on Economic Cooperation
Discussions during the Beijing meeting emphasized resolving specific economic and trade concerns. Both nations aim to ensure transparency and predictability in long-term policies.
Commitment to Mutual Understanding
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized the need for mutual support and trust, stating that both nations should focus on “mutual achievement” rather than “suspicion and alienation.”
This agreement marks a significant step toward rebuilding trust and cooperation between the two Asian powers.
“India and China to Resume Direct Air Services After 5 Years”