India-China Direct Flights Likely to Resume as Talks Progress

India and China have made notable progress toward resuming direct air services, with both sides agreeing to expedite negotiations on an updated Air Services Agreement. This development comes after a high-level meeting between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong in New Delhi from June 12-13.

A key outcome of the meeting was the shared agreement to facilitate visa processes, improve media and think-tank exchanges, and hold dialogues to resolve economic and trade issues. The resumption of direct flights is seen as a step towards normalising relations that have been strained since the 2020 border conflict in Ladakh.

Foreign Secretary Misri also appreciated China’s cooperation in restarting the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, paused since the pandemic and recent tensions. This pilgrimage resumed with 750 Indian pilgrims preparing for travel this month, symbolising renewed people-to-people engagement. Misri expressed hope for further progress in trans-border river data sharing and cooperation.

Both sides reviewed bilateral developments since their January 27 meeting in Beijing and agreed on stabilising ties. The anniversary of 75 years of India-China diplomatic relations is also being observed with planned events.

These steps are being seen as efforts to reduce diplomatic tensions while advancing practical cooperation in trade, travel, and cultural exchanges. Analysts believe that such people-centric moves may create space for broader resolution of long-standing strategic disagreements.