India and China have agreed to fast-track the resumption of direct commercial flights between the two countries, signalling a continued thaw in relations after years of tension. The announcement came following a meeting on Thursday in New Delhi between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, who is currently on an official visit to India.
Statements from both countries’ foreign ministries confirmed the agreement and emphasized the need for improved communication and collaboration going forward. The move to resume direct air services marks another step toward rebuilding diplomatic and economic ties, which had been severely strained since a deadly 2020 military standoff along their shared Himalayan border.
That conflict had a chilling effect across several sectors, including trade, technology, and aviation. However, in October 2024, both sides reached a key understanding on patrolling protocols along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), which helped ease tensions. Since then, momentum has slowly built toward normalization.
During Thursday’s discussions, Sun emphasized the importance of managing differences constructively and playing a joint role in maintaining both regional and international stability. India’s foreign ministry echoed those sentiments, stating that both nations agreed to continue efforts to stabilize and rebuild their relationship.
Earlier in January, the two countries had already pledged to resolve trade and economic disputes—moves that are expected to benefit industries including aviation. The expedited return of direct flights would mark one of the most visible signs yet of that diplomatic progress.