Tuesday, January 28, 2025 India and China agree to restore direct flights after five years, marking progress in diplomatic ties following high-level talks to ease border tensions. India and China are set to restore direct air travel services after nearly five years, marking a significant step toward improving relations between the two neighboring countries. India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced the decision on Monday, following discussions between India’s senior diplomats and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
This development comes as both nations work to rebuild ties strained by a deadly 2020 military confrontation along their contested Himalayan border. Negotiations to establish a framework for resuming flights are expected to take place soon, according to the Indian ministry. China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs confirmed the agreement on Tuesday, adding that vice-ministerial-level talks have also been held to facilitate journalist exchanges between the two nations.
Relations between India and China have remained tense since the 2020 border clash, which led to India imposing restrictions on Chinese investments, banning numerous Chinese apps, and halting passenger air routes. However, cargo flights between the two countries continued uninterrupted. Over the past few months, diplomatic engagements, including an October meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Russia, have helped ease tensions.
During Monday’s mee.