India and China will restore direct flights starting October 26, 2025, after a five-year hiatus, marking progress in normalizing relations. India’s foreign ministry announced the move on October 2, 2025.
IndiGo’s Role
IndiGo, India’s largest budget airline, will launch flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou, fostering stronger people-to-people connections, the ministry said.
Historical Context
The two nations share a 3,440km border with disputed areas. In 2020, a deadly clash in the Galwan Valley killed 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, halting flights and straining ties.
Steps Toward Reconciliation
Since 2024, Delhi and Beijing have worked to ease tensions. They agreed on border patrolling arrangements last October and held multiple high-level talks to rebuild trust.
Recent Developments
China now permits Indian pilgrims to visit sacred sites in Tibet, while India has resumed visa services for Chinese tourists and opened talks for border trade routes.
Shifting Dynamics
India’s strained U.S. relations, driven by trade tariffs, have pushed closer China ties. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, visiting Delhi in August, urged partnership over rivalry.
Leadership Engagement
In August 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi met President Xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China, their first meeting in seven years, reaffirming commitment to better relations.
Why It Matters
Resuming flights signals warming India-China ties, boosting trade, tourism, and diplomacy despite past conflicts.
What’s Next
In October 2025, both nations aim to deepen cooperation, with flights paving the way for stronger economic and cultural links.
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