India and China Reconnect: Direct Flights to Resume

India and China are resuming direct flights between designated cities after more than five years, signaling a cautious easing of tensions. With flights starting this October, the move follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent visit to China to strengthen trade ties and address the growing trade deficit.

India and China are set to resume direct flights between designated cities this month, following a suspension lasting more than five years. This development marks a cautious step towards easing bilateral tensions, as reported by India's foreign ministry on Thursday.

Despite being India's biggest bilateral trade partner, there have been no direct flights between China and India since 2020. India's largest airline, IndiGo, has announced plans to commence daily non-stop flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou starting October 26. Additionally, a new route connecting New Delhi with a Chinese city is in the pipeline.

The announcement follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China, the first in seven years, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation regional security bloc meeting. Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping reiterated that India and China are development partners. They discussed strategies to strengthen trade amid global tariff uncertainties and addressed India's growing trade deficit with China, emphasizing peace along their disputed border.

(With inputs from agencies.)