India and China have reached an agreement to re-establish direct flight services between the two countries, with a particular focus on flights between mainland China and India. This agreement was reached during the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India. Additionally, both countries have committed to finalizing a new Air Services Agreement.
According to a statement, “Both sides agreed to resume direct flight connectivity between Chinese mainland and India at the earliest, and finalize an updated Air Services Agreement. They also agreed on the facilitation of visas to tourists, businesses, media and other visitors in both directions.” The flights were suspended following the Doklam crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Furthermore, both sides agreed to expand the Indian pilgrimage to Mt. Kailash/Gang Renpoche and Lake Manasarovar/Mapam Yun Tso in Tibet, starting in 2026.
The topic of reopening the Nathula route for the pilgrimage was previously raised in Parliament by Sikkim Rajya Sabha MP DT Lepcha, leading to joint efforts between the Government of India and the Government of Sikkim. The re-establishment of the pilgrimage route via Nathula is expected to offer pilgrims a spiritual journey, while also stimulating tourism and bolstering local economies along the route. On August 19, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Wang Yi at the Prime Minister’s Office in Delhi. PM Modi requested Wang Yi to convey his warm greetings to Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Qiang, expressing his eagerness to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Tianjin Summit in China and to meet President Xi Jinping. India will fully support China’s leadership as the rotating chair of the SCO and ensure the summit’s success.
PM Modi noted that India and China, both ancient civilizations, share a long history of friendly exchanges. The meeting between the leaders in Kazan last October marked a turning point in the improvement and development of bilateral relations. India and China are partners, not rivals, and both face the common task of accelerating development. They should strengthen exchanges, enhance understanding, and expand cooperation to showcase the enormous potential and bright prospects of India-China cooperation to the world. Both sides should also prudently manage and handle border issues to prevent differences from escalating into disputes.