Recent talks between India and China have signaled a potential thaw in relations, which were strained following a deadly border clash in 2020. The discussions, highlighted by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to New Delhi and ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's expected visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in Tianjin, have led to several significant agreements.
One of the most notable outcomes is the agreement to resume direct flights between India and China. Suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic, the restoration of these flights marks a significant step in normalizing relations and rebuilding economic links. Before the disruption, nine nonstop routes connected major cities, facilitating travel for over 1.25 million passengers annually. The absence of direct flights forced travelers to take circuitous routes through hubs like Hong Kong and Singapore. The resumption is expected to boost tourism, business travel and trade flows, which totaled over $131 billion in 2024. While Chinese carriers are anticipated to re-enter the market quickly, Indian airlines like Air India and IndiGo are also preparing to resume services.
In addition to resuming flights, both countries have agreed to facilitate visas for tourists, businesses, media, and other visitors. This move aims to promote people-to-people exchanges and foster better understanding. Both sides will also work towards reopening border trade at three designated points. These steps indicate a desire to revitalize trade and investment flows, which had been affected by the strained relationship and restrictions imposed by India on foreign direct investments from China in 2020.
Furthermore, both sides have committed to resolving the long-standing Himalayan border dispute. They have agreed to establish an expert group under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) to expedite boundary delimitation. This group will explore an "early harvest" of boundary demarcation. Moreover, they will create "general-level mechanisms" for the eastern and middle sectors of the border, complementing the existing mechanism for the western sector, which includes Ladakh. These mechanisms aim to improve border management and advance de-escalation efforts.
Despite these positive developments, caution remains. The 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which resulted in the deaths of 20 Indian soldiers and an unknown number of Chinese troops, remains a stark reminder of the fragile nature of the relationship. Both countries maintain a significant troop presence along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), and mistrust persists. India's concerns extend to China's strategic partnership with Pakistan, its activities in the Indian Ocean, and its stance on multilateral forums. The construction of a major dam on the Yarlung Tsangpo River in Tibet also raises concerns in India about its potential impact on downstream communities.
Nevertheless, the recent talks represent a significant effort to stabilize and normalize relations. Prime Minister Modi has emphasized the importance of "respect for each other's interests and sensitivities," while the Chinese Foreign Ministry has stated that the countries have entered a "steady development track" and should "trust and support" each other. The resumption of direct flights, the easing of visa restrictions, and the commitment to resolving the border dispute are all positive steps. As the two nations move forward, continued dialogue and mutual understanding will be crucial in overcoming the challenges and building a more stable and prosperous relationship.
