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Key Points

India and China have taken significant steps to mend their strained diplomatic relationship through renewed dialogue and people-centric initiatives. The recent high-level meeting between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong marks a positive turn in bilateral relations. Key agreements include resuming direct flights, facilitating visa processes, and restarting the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra. These developments signal a potential easing of tensions that have existed since the military standoff in Ladakh.

Key Points: India China Restore Flights and Diplomatic Ties Amid Thaw

  • India and China to resume direct air services
  • Diplomatic talks aim to improve bilateral relations
  • Kailash Manasarovar Yatra restarting after five years
  • Functional dialogues planned in economic and trade sectors
2 min read

India, China agree to resume direct flights soon

India and China agree to resume direct flights, ease visa restrictions, and rebuild bilateral relations through people-centric engagements.

"The two sides agreed to continue to stabilise and rebuild ties - Ministry of External Affairs Statement"

New Delhi, June 13

India and China have agreed to expedite steps to resume direct air services between the two countries and also hold talks to resolve trade issues.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong, who is on a two-day visit to New Delhi from June 12 -13.

"The Foreign Secretary hoped for the early conclusion of an updated Air Services Agreement. The two sides further agreed to take practical steps for visa facilitation and exchanges between media and think-tanks," according to a statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs on Friday.

The two countries have agreed to hold certain functional dialogues, including in the economic and trade areas, to discuss and resolve specific issues of concern, the statement said.

During the meeting, the two sides reviewed the developments in India-China bilateral relations since their last meeting in Beijing on January 27 and agreed to continue to stabilise and rebuild ties with a priority on people-centric engagements, according to the statement.

Foreign Secretary Misri appreciated the Chinese side's cooperation for the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra this year. He noted the discussion in the April meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism for cooperation in trans-border rivers for the resumption of the provision of hydrological data and other cooperation, and hoped for progress on this.

The two countries also positively assessed the activities planned under the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China and agreed to facilitate the same, the statement added.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is resuming this month after a gap of five years, with the first batch of 750 pilgrims ready to depart for the holy site. The resumption is seen as a positive step towards improving India-China relations, which had come under strain due to the prolonged military build-up in Ladakh. The resumption of the yatra and talks with China follows an easing in border tensions between the two countries.

Foreign Secretary Misri visited Beijing in January this year as part of efforts to improve the diplomatic relations between the two Asian giants.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rahul K.
Good move! More connectivity means more people-to-people contact. But we must remain cautious - China's actions in Ladakh can't be forgotten so easily. Trade and flights are welcome, but national security comes first 🇮🇳
P
Priya M.
My parents did Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2017. They'll be so happy to hear it's resuming! 🙏 Hope the pilgrimage remains smooth and safe for all devotees. Cultural exchanges like these help maintain peace between nations.
A
Arjun S.
Direct flights will be great for business travelers like me who frequently visit Shenzhen. The current transit through Hong Kong or Bangkok adds 4-5 unnecessary hours. But I hope ticket prices remain competitive!
S
Sunita R.
While this is positive news, I'm concerned about our trade deficit with China. Before increasing flights, we should ensure our domestic industries are protected. 'Make in India' should be the priority, not just importing more Chinese goods.
V
Vikram J.
The resumption of hydrological data sharing is crucial for our northeastern states. China's cooperation here directly impacts millions of Indian lives downstream. Hope this marks the beginning of more responsible behavior from our neighbor.
N
Neha P.
As someone who studied Mandarin in college, I'm excited about more cultural exchanges! But I hope our media gets fair access in China too - currently their journalists have much more freedom here than ours do there. True friendship should be two-way.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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