China and India, two of Asia’s largest economies and geopolitical rivals, are engaging in talks to resume direct flights between their countries after a five-year hiatus. The suspension, triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating border tensions, had significantly impacted travel and trade. Now, with diplomatic engagements picking up, the two nations are making efforts to restore pre-pandemic flight routes, marking a potential shift towards stabilizing their relations. Chinese Consul General in Kolkata, Xu Wei, has expressed optimism, referring to this phase as the “spring of China-India relations.”
The Deterioration of India-China Relations
The India-China relationship has been fraught with tensions, primarily due to border disputes and geopolitical differences. Historically, ties between the two nations have been shaped by both cooperation and conflict. The 1962 Sino-Indian War left a lasting impact, and periodic border skirmishes, including the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, have further strained relations.
The border standoff in eastern Ladakh led to heightened military deployments on both sides, freezing diplomatic progress. Additionally, India imposed restrictions on Chinese investments, banned numerous Chinese apps, and tightened visa regulations in response to security concerns. In recent years, both nations have sought to navigate these challenges through diplomatic channels, but deep-rooted mistrust remains a hurdle.
Renewed Efforts for Diplomatic and Economic Engagement
Despite past tensions, bilateral diplomatic engagements have gained momentum in 2024. The latest breakthrough came after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Mistri’s visit to China in January, where both sides agreed “in principle” to resume direct air services. At a press conference, Xu Wei confirmed that talks are ongoing to reinstate flights between major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Kunming, New Delhi, Mumbai, and Kolkata, restoring pre-pandemic connectivity that once stood at 50 flights per week.
Trade and Visa Policy Considerations
One of the key aspects of China’s outreach is its interest in boosting trade and easing visa policies. China has been advocating for India to relax visa restrictions for Chinese travelers, which were tightened due to security and geopolitical concerns. Trade between the two nations, despite political tensions, remains significant. In 2023, bilateral trade crossed $136 billion, with China being India’s largest trading partner.
Chinese authorities hope that with direct flights resuming, business and tourism exchanges will revive, ultimately leading to an improvement in bilateral trade. However, India remains cautious about economic dependency on China, as seen in its push for self-reliance under the Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative.
75th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations: A Turning Point?
April 1, 2024, marks the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations, a milestone both countries plan to commemorate with joint celebrations. Chinese diplomats have expressed a willingness to use this occasion to reflect on past experiences, strengthen cooperation, and stabilize relations. However, it remains to be seen whether this goodwill gesture will translate into long-term diplomatic and economic cooperation.
The resumption of direct flights between China and India signals a potential thaw in relations, but underlying tensions persist. While economic interdependence and diplomatic engagements provide hope for stability, unresolved border disputes and strategic concerns continue to shape the future of bilateral ties. As both countries take cautious steps forward, the success of these efforts will depend on mutual trust, sustained dialogue, and a balanced approach to economic and security concerns.
(With inputs from agencies)
