India, China to Resume Direct Flights After 5-Year Freeze
The Facts
India and China have reached an agreement in principle to resume direct commercial flights, which were suspended in early 2020 during the COVID pandemic and remained halted due to political tensions.
The announcement came after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing on Monday, marking one of the most senior official visits since the 2020 border clash.
Prior to the suspension, approximately 500 monthly direct flights operated between China and India — with direct routes connecting Beijing and New Delhi in seven hours compared to current journeys requiring six to ten additional hours through transit locations.
The Spin
Pro-China narrative
The flight agreement demonstrates China's commitment to improving bilateral relations and fostering mutual understanding. Beijing is emphasizing the need for both countries to work in the same direction and explore substantive measures for cooperation.
Narrative B
The resumption of direct flights represents a strategic shift in India's stance, following earlier resistance to Chinese requests for reestablishing air links due to border disputes and security concerns. This had previously led to restrictions on Chinese investments and bans on hundreds of Chinese apps — and a tenuous period between the two powers.
