In brief
In a notable shift toward easing tensions, India and China have agreed to restart direct flights that were suspended for nearly five years amid escalating border disputes.
The two nations announced the agreement following a visit by India's foreign secretary, Vikram Misri, to Beijing, indicating a potential shift in their complex relationship characterized by military skirmishes and diplomatic strain. The decision to reopen direct flights is a part of a broader set of agreements aimed at improving bilateral ties, which had significantly deteriorated since deadly clashes in the Himalayas in 2020.Discussions included measures to allow journalists from both countries better access, as well as facilitating pilgrimages to a sacred Hindu shrine in Tibet. Foreign Minister Wang Yi of China urged both nations to "seize the opportunity" for bridging divides and fostering cooperation during his encounter with Misri.Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping previously met for significant discussions in October during a summit in Russia, representing the first direct dialogue in five years. This meeting followed extensive negotiation rounds aimed at disentangling military forces stationed along their contentious border.The restoration of flights comes long after international travel was disrupted due to the Covid-19 pandemic, with flights to Hong Kong resuming but those to mainland China remaining suspended. Now, officials from both countries are expected to convene to iron out the technicalities for resuming direct air travel.These developments reflect a gradual normalization of ties between the two Asian powers, who have historically juggled cooperation and rivalry, hoping to dissipate the lingering mutual distrust.
