China and India are set to resume direct passenger flights before the end of October, marking a major step toward restoring connectivity between the two Asian giants after years of disruption.
The decision, confirmed by Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun, follows the consensus reached between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi during their high-level meeting in Tianjin on August 31.
Guo described the move as a “positive step to facilitate friendly exchange between the Chinese and Indian people,” whose combined population exceeds 2.8 billion. He emphasized that China is prepared to work with India to strengthen cooperation, adding:
“We aim to view and handle bilateral ties from a strategic and long-term perspective – becoming good-neighborly friends and partners that help each other succeed.”
According to diplomatic sources, both governments are finalizing an updated air services framework and simplifying visa procedures for travelers, including those visiting for business, education, tourism, and media purposes. The resumption of flights is expected to significantly boost tourism, trade, and cultural exchange, reinforcing the economic and diplomatic bridge between the two nations.
Analysts see the restoration of air connectivity as one of the most tangible outcomes of the recent talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and his Indian counterpart Subrahmanyam Jaishankar. The ministers agreed on ten key outcomes in August, including the revival of direct flights and enhanced cooperation on visa facilitation.
The return of air routes is widely viewed as a symbol of renewed stability and partnership, signaling that both Beijing and New Delhi are committed to promoting regional peace, mutual development, and prosperity across Asia.
