Direct flights between India and China have resumed, signalling a gradual improvement in bilateral relations after years of tension. 

IndiGo flight 6E 1703 from Kolkata touched down in Guangzhou on Monday, carrying around 180 passengers and marking a significant step in reconnecting the two neighbouring nations.

Flights between India and China were first suspended in early 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic and remained halted following a deadly clash in a disputed Himalayan border region that escalated tensions. 

However, both countries have been steadily rebuilding relations. Last year, they reached a landmark agreement on border patrols, paving the way for renewed engagement.

The Indian government highlighted that the resumption of direct flights would "facilitate people-to-people contact" and support "the gradual normalisation of bilateral exchanges." The move is part of a broader trend indicating a thaw in relations.

In recent months, several diplomatic gestures underscored this shift. In August, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited China for the first time in seven years, meeting President Xi Jinping on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. 

Earlier the same month, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India, discussing "de-escalation, delimitation and boundary affairs" with officials in Delhi. Additionally, India has restarted issuing visas for Chinese tourists since July.

At Kolkata airport on Sunday evening, airline staff lit brass oil lamps to celebrate the return of direct flights, welcoming passengers with a ceremonial gesture. Passengers expressed enthusiasm at the convenience and time saved by the new service.

"Earlier, we had to change two or three flights to reach China, usually via Singapore. Direct flights will boost trade and relations between the countries," said Krishna Goyal, a business traveller heading to China.

According to travel data provider OAG, India and China operated around 2,588 scheduled flights in 2019 before services were suspended. 

Looking ahead, China Eastern Airlines plans to launch a flight connecting Shanghai and Delhi from 9 November, operating three times a week, according to a spokesperson for the Chinese embassy in India.

Senior Chinese consular official Qin Yong described the resumption as "a very important day for the India-China relationship," reflecting optimism for stronger ties and smoother travel between the neighbouring nations.

#BBC