India and China have agreed in principle to resume direct flights, nearly five years after their suspension due to the COVID-19 pandemic and political tensions.
The decision was announced following Indian Foreign Ministry Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Beijing, one of the highest-level meetings since the 2020 border clash that strained relations.
Both sides will negotiate an updated framework for air travel, and China has agreed to allow the resumption of a Hindu pilgrimage to a sacred shrine.
Efforts to restore mutual trust and address trade issues were also emphasized. Prior to the pandemic, approximately 500 direct flights operated monthly between the two nations.
