India and China have restarted direct flights after a five-year halt, signifying a significant step in their efforts to restore relations. Despite being strategic competitors in the region, the two most populous nations in the world have been gradually improving ties since a deadly border clash in the Himalayas in 2020. India’s government views the resumption of flights as a means to enhance “people-to-people contact” and facilitate the normalization of bilateral exchanges.
As India seeks to mend relations with Beijing, its trade partnership with Washington faces challenges. The rift widened after US President Donald Trump imposed a 50 percent tariff, alleging India’s involvement in supporting Russia’s activities in Ukraine by purchasing Russian oil. In this context, IndiGo, India’s carrier, inaugurated the first daily flight to mainland China from Kolkata at 10:00 pm (1630 GMT) destined for Guangzhou. While regular flights already operate between India and Hong Kong, additional services connecting New Delhi to Shanghai and Guangzhou are set to commence in November.