India and China are on the brink of resuming direct passenger flights after a five-year suspension. This move is expected to significantly boost trade, tourism, and overall economic engagement between the two nations.
Key Points on the Resumption
- Timeline: The official announcement is anticipated around the upcoming Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in late August. Airlines like Air India and IndiGo have been asked to prepare for a swift restart of services.
- Historical Context: Air travel was halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which strained diplomatic relations. Before this, the air route was a vital economic corridor, with over 8.16 lakh passengers and 30,000 tonnes of cargo transported annually.
- Economic Impact: Restoring direct flights is likely to reignite pre-pandemic demand. It will support business travel, tourism, and broader economic normalization. The suspension had forced travelers to take time-consuming and expensive detours through other countries like Hong Kong and Singapore.
- Diplomatic Significance: This decision is part of a broader diplomatic thaw. India recently exported diesel to China for the first time in four years, and China has approved urea exports to India. The upcoming SCO Summit, where Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit China, serves as a key platform for further engagement.
The resumption of direct flights is a major step toward normalizing relations and strengthening economic ties between two of Asia’s largest economies.