DELHI- China is urging India to resume direct passenger flights after a four-year hiatus, but the Indian government is hesitant due to ongoing tensions from a border dispute, officials added.
India-China relations have been strained since a major military confrontation on their disputed Himalayan border in June 2020. This has resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese soldiers. Thousands of troops remain mobilized on both sides.
No India China Passenger Flights
Since the clash, India has restricted Chinese investments, banned hundreds of popular apps, and halted passenger flights. However, the direct cargo flights continue between the two nations.
While direct flights would benefit both economies, they are particularly crucial for China, where recovery in overseas travel post-COVID-19 is slower compared to India’s booming aviation sector.
Over the past year, China’s government and airlines have repeatedly requested India’s civil aviation authorities to re-establish direct air links, two sources with direct knowledge told Reuters. One source mentioned that China sees this as a “big problem.”
China’s Foreign Ministry stated last week, “We hope the Indian side will work with China in the same direction for the early resumption of direct flights,” emphasizing that resuming flights would benefit both countries.
However, a senior Indian official familiar with bilateral developments stated that until there is peace and tranquility on the border, other aspects of the relationship cannot progress.
Pieter Elbers, CEO of IndiGo (6E), India’s largest domestic airline, mentioned that Indian airlines are in discussions with New Delhi, while Chinese carriers are consulting their government about resuming direct routes.
Beijing has frequently protested against India’s increased scrutiny of Chinese businesses since 2020. This year, Chinese smartphone giant Xiaomi informed the Indian government that “confidence building” measures are necessary, as component suppliers are hesitant to establish operations in India due to compliance and visa concerns.
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