Flights between India and China are finally set to resume after five years, marking an important step towards improving relations between the two countries. This decision follows several high-level meetings between New Delhi and Beijing aimed at stabilizing their ties. The Indian Foreign Minister confirmed that passenger flights would restart once technical teams from both sides finalize an updated framework.

Flights between the two nations initially stopped during the COVID-19 pandemic, but even after the situation improved, they remained suspended. The delay was largely due to a military clash along their disputed Himalayan border, which worsened relations. In response, India imposed several restrictions, such as banning Chinese apps, limiting Chinese investments, and stopping passenger flights to mainland China.

Although flights to Hong Kong resumed after some time, direct flights to mainland China remained grounded. However, cargo flights between the two nations continued throughout this period. Before the suspension, about 500 direct flights connected India and China every week, according to the Indian media outlet Moneycontrol.

Recently, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing to discuss efforts to rebuild trust. While he did not give an exact date for the resumption of flights, he mentioned ongoing efforts to improve relations. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a trip which involves a visit to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar lake in Tibet is set to resume this summer. 

The return of direct flights is seen as a positive step toward rebuilding ties and encouraging cooperation. It offers hope for renewed travel, trade, and cultural exchanges, helping the two neighbors work towards a more stable and productive relationship.