India and China will restart direct flights on Sunday (Oct. 26), ending a five-year suspension imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic. The move is seen as a key step in reviving trade and rebuilding relations between the two Asian rivals, whose ties soured after a deadly border clash in 2020.
IndiGo will operate the first daily service from Kolkata to Guangzhou, with additional routes from New Delhi set to begin next month. India says the restored connectivity will improve business links and “people-to-people” relations.
Trade between the neighbours has surged despite political tensions, with India’s imports from China topping US$11 billion last month. However, India continues to run a large trade deficit and remains cautious amid ongoing border disputes.
Analysts say the improved ties with Beijing come as India faces friction with Washington over tariffs and Russia-related sanctions. But despite the thaw, managing China’s growing assertiveness remains New Delhi’s long-term challenge.
