India and China are poised to resume direct flights as early as September, signaling a potential reset in diplomatic ties after years of tension, according to sources. The Indian government has reportedly instructed domestic airlines to prepare for the resumption of services to China on short notice, with a formal announcement expected around the time of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit, scheduled for later this month in China.
Sources told Hindustan Times that IndiGo has already been asked to begin necessary preparations.
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Direct flights between the two countries were suspended following the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic, forcing travelers to rely on connecting routes via cities such as Hong Kong and Singapore. Prior to the suspension, Indian carriers like Air India and IndiGo operated several direct flights weekly to cities including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Kunming, while Chinese airlines such as Air China, China Southern, and China Eastern also ran regular services to India.
A Slow Thaw After Border Tensions
The resumption of flights comes amid cautious steps toward normalizing India-China relations, which deteriorated sharply following the violent Galwan Valley clashes in June 2020. The deadly confrontation in eastern Ladakh led to the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops. In response, India imposed various measures, including banning 59 Chinese mobile apps, a move Beijing criticised as “discriminatory” and considered challenging at the World Trade Organisation.
Last month, India resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals, marking a significant gesture towards mending ties. Earlier this year, in January, both countries had agreed in principle to restart direct flights and enhance people-to-people exchanges, particularly among media and think tanks. This also included discussions on resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which has been suspended since 2020.
Modi’s China Visit On The Cards
Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit China for the first time in seven years to attend the SCO Summit, scheduled in Tianjin on August 31 and September 1. The Chinese government has welcomed his expected visit, with foreign ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun expressing optimism about the summit’s outcomes, calling it “a gathering of solidarity, friendship and fruitful results.”
Modi’s visit could also pave the way for a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, another sign that relations between the two Asian powers may be turning a corner.
Geopolitical Undercurrents And US Pressure
The renewed efforts to restore direct connectivity and stabilize diplomatic channels come amid increased geopolitical pressure on India from the United States. US President Donald Trump recently doubled tariffs on Indian imports from 25 percent to 50 percent, citing New Delhi’s continued oil purchases from Russia.
China has shown support for India in this context, with Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong labeling Trump a “bully” and warning that “if you give the bully an inch, he will take a mile.” He urged India not to cave under US trade pressure.
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Meanwhile, the US and China have been embroiled in their own trade dispute, involving tit-for-tat tariffs. However, Trump recently announced a 90-day postponement of further tariff hikes on Chinese goods, offering a temporary reprieve in the escalating tensions.