In what appears to be a notable shift in the diplomatic tone between two of Asia’s largest economies, China and India are reportedly working on resuming direct flights that were halted five years ago due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent border clashes. This development comes as both nations gear up to celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relationship on April 1, 2025. Chinese Consul General in Kolkata, Xu Wei, confirmed in a press conference that negotiations are ongoing between the two countries to restore air connectivity, which once served as a significant link between major cities across both nations. “Before the pandemic, the two countries had launched direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Kunming to New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other cities, with 50 flights per week. The two sides are currently working on resuming direct flights between the two countries as soon as possible,” Wei stated.
 

The move to reintroduce direct flights signals a thaw in bilateral tensions and a possible roadmap toward restoring broader ties, both economically and diplomatically. The announcement comes on the heels of Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Mistri’s recent visit to China in January 2025, during which both nations agreed “in principle” to restart direct air services. This marked a significant breakthrough, given that relations between the two countries had cooled following the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes and disruptions caused by the pandemic. The importance of resuming these direct flights goes beyond mere connectivity. Direct flights between India and China previously enabled smoother business operations, academic exchange, tourism, and familial interactions. Reestablishing these routes is viewed as a practical step toward rebuilding trust and resuming people-to-people exchanges that had been interrupted for half a decade.
 

Celebrating 75 Years of Diplomatic Ties and Looking Forward

Xu Wei emphasized the importance of the upcoming milestone in the bilateral relationship, calling the 75th anniversary a unique opportunity for both countries to reflect on their shared history and map out a cooperative future. “In another week, on April 1, it will be the day marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. This year, China and India will jointly hold some celebrations. We are happy to see that the spring of China-India relations is arriving,” Wei remarked. He further noted that both countries are committed to ensuring that the commemoration of this milestone is meaningful. “We are willing to take the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations as an opportunity to work with India to sum up past experience, forge a path forward, and advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development,” he added.
 

Sources close to the developments indicate that discussions are not limited to aviation alone. Chinese officials are reportedly hopeful that India may consider easing visa policies for Chinese nationals. Such a move could significantly bolster travel, education, and professional exchange between the two nations. Moreover, there is an expectation that trade relations, which have remained relatively steady despite political tensions, could experience an upswing if logistical channels such as direct flights are restored. While the border situation between India and China continues to be monitored closely, the willingness of both governments to resume dialogue and reconnect major cities through direct air routes is being seen as a constructive development. Analysts note that while both nations remain competitors in various regional and global arenas, their mutual interest in economic growth, regional stability, and cultural exchange could help lay the groundwork for more cooperative engagement in the future.
 

Observers remain cautiously optimistic, pointing out that while announcements have been made in principle, the actual implementation of direct flights will require final agreements on logistics, airspace protocols, and safety measures—areas where both countries must continue to collaborate. Nevertheless, this renewed conversation comes at a crucial juncture and carries symbolic weight as well. By aligning the resumption of flights with the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties, both India and China are sending a message of mutual recognition and intent to move forward, even if gradually. The resumption of flights may pave the way for further cooperation in trade, environmental concerns, health, education, and multilateral dialogue. As 2025 unfolds, global attention will remain focused on how India and China navigate this warming phase in their relationship, and whether symbolic gestures like direct flights will transform into sustained bilateral cooperation across sectors.