India and China to resume direct flights following 5-year diplomatic freeze

India and China have reached an agreement to resume direct flights, highlighting the importance of air connectivity as the two neighboring countries work on rebuilding diplomatic ties, which have been strained for the past five years. 

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi made an official visit to New Delhi on August 18–19, 2025, during which he met with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, marking his first trip to India in three years. 

India’s Ministry of External Affairs announced in a statement that the two sides had “positive, constructive and forward-looking discussions on bilateral, regional and international issues of common interest”. 

The two leaders spoke about the progress of broader diplomatic and political agreements between the two countries and agreed to “jointly maintain peace and tranquility in the border areas”. 

As part of the agreement, both sides agreed to resume direct flights between the Chinese mainland and India as soon as possible and finalize an updated Air Services Agreement. At the time of writing, the exact timeline for the resumption of services has not been disclosed. 

Additionally, both countries also agreed on the facilitation of visas to tourists, businesses, media and other visitors in both directions. 

After the meeting, India’s Prime Minister Modi shared on X that since his meeting with President Xi in Kazan in October 2024, the relationship between India and China has seen “steady progress guided by respect for each other’s interests and sensitivities”. 

“Stable, predictable, constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to regional as well as global peace and prosperity,” Modi added. 

Meanwhile, Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong shared on X that after discussions, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang said that “bilateral ties have experienced ups and downs, and lessons could be learned from the past”, but regardless of the circumstances, both parties “should maintain correct perceptions of being partners, not rivals, adhere to the principle of properly managing differences to ensure that boundary disputes do not affect the overall situation of bilateral relations.” 

How did a 2020 dispute ground air travel? 

The decision to resume flights comes as both countries seek to strengthen ties in response to US President Donald Trump’s foreign policy and high export tariffs. 

Relations between China and India cooled five years ago in December 2020, when China refused to allow two Indian cargo vessels carrying 39 sailors access to its shores. 

Since then, Indian aviation authorities had informally asked airlines not to board Chinese nationals. The Indian government has not officially confirmed any ban on Chinese nationals traveling to India. The post India and China to resume direct flights following 5-year diplomatic freeze appeared first on AeroTime.

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