India and China will restart direct flights between the countries this month, India's foreign ministry has announced, marking another step towards the gradual normalization of ties.
No direct flights have operated between the two nations since 2020 due to a border clash that resulted in fatalities on both sides. Nevertheless, over the past year, efforts have been made by both Delhi and Beijing to rebuild relations and alleviate border tensions.
On Thursday, India's largest budget airline, IndiGo, confirmed it would resume direct flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou beginning October 26.
In a statement, India's foreign ministry stated that the resumption of flights would further facilitate people-to-people contact and contribute to the gradual normalization of bilateral exchanges.
India and China share an undefined border of over 3,440 kilometers (2,100 miles) with overlapping territorial claims. A significant clash occurred in 2020 at the Galwan River valley, resulting in the deaths of at least 20 Indian soldiers and four Chinese soldiers, marking the first lethal confrontation since 1975 and leading to a downturn in relations.
Efforts to mend ties have included high-level discussions and agreements aimed at de-escalating border tensions. Last year, both nations acknowledged mutual patrolling arrangements along the contentious Himalayan border.
This year, significant dialogue occurred as China re-established access for Indian pilgrims to religious sites in the Tibet Autonomous Region and India restarted visa services for Chinese tourists, while talks commenced on resuming border trade.
Amidst a cooling relationship with the United States regarding trade issues, the reviving India-China ties have gained momentum. Notably, Prime Minister Modi's recent visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit facilitated discussions with President Xi Jinping on normalizing relations.
The return of direct flights signifies a hopeful outlook for both nations as they navigate their complex relationship.
