Kolkata: Talks are underway to resume direct flights between India and China after a hiatus of five years, Chinese consul general in Kolkata Xu Wei said on Tuesday. Resumption of direct flights between the two countries will mean a lot to businesspersons and professionals of both countries Notwithstanding strained relations between the two Asian giants over border-related issues, bilateral trade between India and China stood at US$ 118.40 billion in FY24.
According to Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) figures, China resumed its position as India’s largest trading partner in FY24 after two years. This underscores the need for direct connectivity between the two countries.
Direct flights were first cancelled due to the pandemic. These never resumed due to tension along the border between the two nations. Now, resumption of the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra is also being discussed between the two countries. This issue also featured in the 33rd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on China-India border affairs that took place on Tuesday.
“Before the pandemic, the two countries had launched direct flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Kunming to New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata and other cities, with 50 flights per week. The two sides are currently working on resuming direct flights between the two countries as soon as possible,” Wei said during a press conference in Kolkata.
The matter was first discussed during foreign secretary Vikram Mistri’s visit to China in January. After his return, the foreign ministry issued a statement saying: “both countries have agreed in principle to resume direct air services between the two countries.”
Wei said that a string of events will be held to commemorate the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations while adding that “the spring of China-India relations is arriving”.
“In another week, on April 1, it will be the day marking the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between China and India. This year, China and India will jointly hold some celebrations. We are happy to see that the spring of China-India relations is arriving,” he said.
“We are willing to take the 75th anniversary of China-India diplomatic relations as an opportunity to work with India to sum up past experience, forge a path forward, and advance China-India relations on the track of sound and stable development,” Wei added.
China also wants India to reciprocate by relaxing its visa policy for Chinese citizens.
