New Delhi: India and China will resume direct flights by the end of October 2025, marking a significant step towards rebuilding bilateral ties that have remained strained in recent years. The move follows a series of high-level diplomatic engagements, including a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping on August 31 in Tianjin.
Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong confirmed the development on social media platform X, calling it an important outcome of the “common understandings” reached between the two leaders. He described the move as one that facilitates “friendly exchanges” between over 2.8 billion people of both nations.
Quoting a statement from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Feihong said Beijing is ready to work with India to manage bilateral relations from a “strategic and long-term perspective.” He emphasized a shared vision for regional peace and prosperity, referring to it as a “cooperative pas de deux of the dragon and the elephant.”
Direct air connectivity between the two countries had been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and was further delayed in the aftermath of the Doklam standoff. Its restoration signals a growing willingness on both sides to normalise ties and boost people-to-people contact.
The Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also confirmed the move, highlighting it as part of broader efforts to normalise relations. The decision follows Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India in August, during which both sides agreed to resume flights and expedite an updated Air Services Agreement.
Discussions also included visa facilitation for tourists, business travellers, journalists, and other professionals. Wang Yi co-chaired the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ dialogue on the boundary issue with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and later met with Prime Minister Modi.
PM Modi reiterated that stable and constructive India-China relations are essential for regional and global peace, and welcomed efforts to enhance connectivity and cooperation.
