India, China agree to resume direct flights between the two nations
"Both sides agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between Chinese mainland and India at the earliest, and finalize an updated Air Services Agreement. They also agreed on the facilitation of visas to tourists, businesses, media and other visitors in both directions," said the official statement of MEA. Direct flights between India and China stopped during the pandemic, forcing travelers to take indirect routes via hubs like Hong Kong or Singapore. The reopening of air routes comes amid shifting geopolitical ties.Relations between India and China worsened in 2020 following border clashes that resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the SCO summit in Tianjin from August 31, where he will be meeting Chinese President Xi Jinping. Indian aviation authorities and major airlines such as Air India and IndiGo have been informed but have not commented publicly.
Before flights were halted, Indian carriers including Air India and IndiGo operated routes to China alongside Chinese airlines like Air China and China Southern. The current plan is for Indian airlines to resume services soon. Earlier attempts to restart direct flights were made in January and June but stalled amid diplomatic tensions. Renewed progress has been made only in the last two weeks, with airlines now being briefed on the plans.
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