India and China to restart direct flights and resume visa issuance

India and China Agree to Restart Direct Flights and Resume Visa Issuance, Easing Travel Barriers

In a significant step toward normalizing bilateral relations, India and China have announced the resumption of direct flights and the restart of visa issuance for citizens of both countries. The decision, which comes after years of strained ties and travel restrictions, is expected to boost tourism, business, and cultural exchanges between the two Asian giants.  

The agreement was finalized during high-level diplomatic talks held earlier this week, where both nations emphasized the importance of rebuilding trust and fostering people-to-people connections. Direct flights between India and China were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and further complicated by geopolitical tensions, including border disputes.  

“This is a positive development that reflects the mutual desire to strengthen ties and facilitate easier travel for citizens of both countries,” said an official from India’s Ministry of External Affairs. “We hope this will pave the way for greater collaboration in trade, education, and tourism.”  

Under the new arrangement, airlines from both countries will gradually reintroduce direct flights on key routes, including Delhi-Beijing, Mumbai-Shanghai, and Bengaluru-Guangzhou. The resumption of visa services will also simplify the process for students, business professionals, and tourists who have faced significant hurdles in obtaining travel permits over the past few years.  

The move has been welcomed by various stakeholders, including the tourism industry, which has been hit hard by the prolonged restrictions. “The resumption of direct flights is a game-changer for the travel sector. It will not only reduce travel time but also make India a more accessible destination for Chinese tourists,” said Rajesh Kumar, a spokesperson for the Indian Association of Tour Operators.  

For students and professionals, the decision comes as a relief. “I’ve been waiting for over a year to return to China to complete my studies. This announcement gives me hope that I can finally resume my education,” said Ananya Sharma, an Indian student pursuing a degree in Beijing.  

While the resumption of travel and visa services marks a positive step, experts caution that it is just one aspect of a complex relationship. “This is a welcome move, but it must be seen as part of a broader effort to address deeper issues, including border disputes and trade imbalances,” said Dr. Meera Nair, a geopolitical analyst.  

As India and China take this step toward reconnecting, the focus now shifts to how both nations will build on this momentum to foster lasting peace and cooperation. For now, the resumption of direct flights and visa services offers a glimmer of hope for a brighter future in bilateral relations.