India and China are inching towards re-establishing direct air connectivity, which was suspended amid the pandemic and post-2020 border tensions. Both countries have agreed “in principle” to the resumption of flights, and both their civil aviation authorities are preparing the technical modalities.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is also being negotiated to be reopened. These moves mark a guarded thaw in bilateral ties as Beijing also increases efforts to lure Indian tourists. The announcements come at a time of increasing US-China trade tensions, with China nudging India to enhance regional cooperation.
Flights expected to resume soon
India’s External Affairs Ministry confirmed direct flights between the two countries could resume in the near future. Spokesman Randhir Jaiswal said the two sides had agreed in principle. He further stated that civilian aviation officials were working on technical details and structures required for the resumption.
#WATCH | On direct air services between India and China, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, “In principle, both countries have agreed that flight operations will resume. The technical teams on both sides are looking into the technical arrangements for the flight services to… pic.twitter.com/CM1d1bPQTF
— ANI (@ANI) April 17, 2025
Prior to COVID-19 and the Galwan conflict, India and China maintained regular air services between major cities. The routes have been closed since early 2020.
The Civil Aviation Secretary of India, Vumlunmang Vualnam, said earlier this week that negotiations with China had resumed. However, he added that some issues were not yet sorted out. The talks are still in the initial stages, and no definite dates for the resumption of flights have been announced.
China’s warm gesture to Indians
China seems keen to normalize relations with Indian nationals. Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong said that more than 85,000 visas have been issued to Indians in 2025 so far. This is coupled with simplified visa norms and a cut in charges.
The Chinese Consul General in Kolkata had also confirmed that negotiations for air connectivity were on. These initiatives indicate Beijing’s strategic move to enhance its reputation in India and encourage economic cooperation.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra may resume
India too is planning to revive the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Randhir Jaiswal stated that the government would soon release a public notice. Negotiations for the pilgrimage had been put in cold storage during the pandemic and were further held back due to diplomatic tension.
This Chinese diplomatic overture is at a time when its trade war with the US is deteriorating. President Donald Trump has recently raised tariffs on Chinese imports. Beijing has now called upon regional nations such as India to resist the “abuse of tariffs” by the US.
India has thus far remained neutral but continues to be in bilateral negotiations with both world powers. The resumption of air traffic and the pilgrimage may be a new chapter in India-China engagement—one guarded, measured, but quietly collaborative.
