India-China Direct Flights to Resume by Next Month

India-China Direct Flights to Resume by Next Month

Why in News India-China Direct Flights to Resume by Next Month? 

Direct passenger air services between India and China are planned to begin again in September 2025. The move marks a significant step in reconnecting the two countries after years of suspension. It reflects growing efforts to strengthen people-to-people contact between both nations.

Background of India-China Flight Suspension

• Both countries halted flights in early 2020 as part of global measures to contain the COVID-19 pandemic. Health risks forced many countries to cut international air routes. This step aimed to stop disease spread.
• Before the pause, airlines such as Air India, Air China, China Southern and IndiGo flew weekly between key hubs. In 2019, more than 500 flights per month connected cities like New Delhi, Mumbai, Beijing, and Shanghai.
• In June 2020, troops clashed severely in the Galwan Valley along the Ladakh border. 20 Indian soldiers and at least 4 Chinese troops were killed, after which India adopted a stricter security posture and stopped direct passenger operations.
• India also moved to block numerous Chinese mobile applications and introduced tighter rules on Chinese investment. These moves deepened the trust deficit between the countries.

Key Reasons Behind Resumption Decision

• Economic and Trade Revival: India and China share robust trade links. Bilateral trade reached $61.6 billion in the first five months of 2025, showing a 10.3 percent annual rise. Both countries see direct flights as a tool to reduce time and cost in trade. They want to boost export-import flows and revive business momentum.

• People-to-People Links: From July 24, 2025, India began issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals again, ending a five-year freeze. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra also resumed in June 2025 to restore a vital spiritual link. Direct flights will make it easier for pilgrims, tourists, students, and families to connect.

• Diplomatic Thaw: Diplomacy has warmed since 2024 disengagement agreements at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). In January 2025, leaders from both nations reached an understanding to restore direct air links and support the exchange of journalists. In June 2025, the two foreign ministries agreed to expedite flight resumption to stabilise and rebuild ties.

• Geopolitical Dynamics: Global shifts are reshaping regional equations. Rising tensions between the U.S. and China, and evolving international politics, have encouraged India to adopt a more pragmatic, business-like approach. India views the renewal of flights as part of a wider regional engagement plan.

Also Read: 75th Anniversary of India-China Diplomatic Relations

Impact on Bilateral Relations and Trade

• Trade Efficiency: Direct flights will strengthen bilateral trade. Direct flights will enable smoother movement of business delegates, medium-value goods, and trade documentation. This improvement can support incremental trade growth beyond the current bilateral volume of about $138 billion in 2024–25.  

• Manufacturing Supply: Manufacturers will regain access to raw materials swiftly. Many Indian industries depend on timely imports from China—especially electronics, solar components, and machinery. During FY 2024–25, India’s imports from China exceeded $113 billion, while exports fell to $14.3 billion. Direct air route flights will ease supply chain disruptions and cut turnaround times.

• Trade Diversification: In FY 2023–24, bilateral trade touched $136.2 billion, with India’s exports showing a 6 percent increase. China has expressed interest in importing more Indian goods and encouraging Indian firms to invest or operate in China. With flights restarted, Indian businesses can seize such trade and investment opportunities.

• Regional Economic Integration: Resuming air links reinforces regional cooperation frameworks like SCO and bilateral corridors. India is also negotiating to reopen land routes through Himalayan passes such as Lipulekh and Nathu La. These measures strengthen regional trade and integration.

Future Outlook for India-China

• India will attend the SCO Summit in Tianjin on August 31–September 1, 2025. This trip marks Prime Minister Modi’s first visit to China since 2019 and his first after the 2020 Galwan clash. This visit promises to open new diplomatic spaces. 
• China welcomes PM Modi’s participation with warm words. Chinese representatives have characterised the upcoming summit as an event of solidarity and friendship. 
• They expect it to yield fruitful results and signal a new phase of regional cooperation. 
• Modi will likely hold bilateral talks with President Xi. These talks could pave the way for cooperation in areas like terrorism, trade, and security. 
• India faces growing U.S. trade pressures including steep tariffs. Against this, reinvigorated ties with China may offer India circuit flexibility in its global alignments.