From next month, India and China are poised to restart direct passenger flights, according to a Bloomberg report. It aims to restore air connectivity between the two most populous nations. It had been suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Shanghai Cooperation Organisation
According to The Economic Times, Indian airlines have been asked to stand ready for flights to China on short notice. The sources added that an official announcement could come during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit at the end of August in China.
Shifting Geo-Political Ties
Direct flights between India and China stopped during the pandemic, forcing travellers to take indirect routes via hubs like Hong Kong or Singapore. The reopening of air routes comes amid shifting geopolitical ties. In response to India’s purchase of Russian oil, India’s relations with the US have faced challenges recently after Washington doubled tariffs on Indian goods.
An X (formerly Twitter) account that gives aviation news updates, wrote, "India-China flights are expected to resume from SEP/OCT IndiGo & Air India have been asked to prepare for flights on a short notice Official Announcement may come during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Summit later this month."
The sources warned that the timeline for flight resumption remains uncertain, and negotiations could still face obstacles.
Earlier Attempts To Restart
According to The Economic Times, earlier attempts to restart direct flights were made in January and June but stalled amid diplomatic tensions. Renewed progress has been made only in the last two weeks, with airlines now being briefed on the plans.
Tourist Visa Restrictions
Relations between India and China worsened in 2020 following border clashes that resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops. Recently, India eased restrictions on tourist visas for Chinese nationals. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to attend the SCO summit in Tianjin from August 31, where he may meet Chinese President Xi Jinping.
