• Source:JND
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India and China have agreed to restart direct air services between the two nations, a significant development announced on Monday following Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri's visit to Beijing. The decision comes nearly five years after the suspension of these services due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent political tensions.

In a statement, the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed that both countries "agreed in principle to resume direct air services," with relevant technical authorities set to meet soon to negotiate an updated framework for the arrangement. Additionally, the two sides agreed to take appropriate measures to promote and facilitate people-to-people exchanges, including media and think-tank interactions.

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The agreement also includes the reinstatement of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the summer of 2025, with both sides working to ease visa processes for journalists and think tanks to foster deeper bilateral relations.

This positive shift in relations comes after the deadly 2020 military clash along their disputed Himalayan border, which severely strained ties. Since then, India had imposed restrictions on Chinese investment, banned popular apps and suspended passenger flights, although cargo flights continued.

In recent months, signs of thawing relations have emerged, highlighted by high-level meetings, including discussions between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Russia last October. During Monday's meeting in Beijing, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated the need for both nations to cooperate and explore substantial measures to enhance mutual understanding.

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The Indian Ministry of External Affairs noted that both sides had addressed "specific concerns in the economic and trade areas" to promote long-term policy clarity and transparency. Both nations have committed to resuming dialogue gradually, with plans for an early meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism to further functional exchanges.

The discussions also reflect a growing willingness to address longstanding issues and build a more constructive relationship, with both nations aiming for "mutual support and mutual achievement" over "suspicion" and "alienation."