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China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Indian counterpart S Jaishankar, in Rio de Janeiro on November 18 according to a statement from China’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. During the meeting, Wang emphasised the importance of resuming direct flights between the two nations.
He stressed the need for "mutual trust and less suspicion" between the two regional powers, the statement noted. This comes after both countries began implementing a recent agreement to resolve a military standoff along the disputed Himalayan border. Additionally, Wang called on India to enhance cooperation by facilitating journalist exchanges and simplifying visa processes.
Direct flights between India and China were suspended in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions. In 2019, 539 direct flights operated between India and China. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, combined with a violent border clash between army personnel of both countries, in June 2020, led to the suspension of the flights.
Also read | India, China troops to complete disengagement by Oct 29 in Demchok, Depsang of eastern Ladakh
The resumption of direct flights has been complicated by political tensions and visa restrictions. The June 2020 border clash resulted in the death Indian and Chinese soldiers, and thousands of troops from both nations remain stationed along the Himalayan border.
The suspension of direct flights has significantly increased both travel time and costs between the two countries. For instance, a round-trip between New Delhi and Beijing, which took about six hours and cost around Rs 42,00 in 2019, now takes over 10.5 hours and can cost over Rs 1 lakh.
Also read | Chronicle of Conflict: The India-China border dispute from 1950 to 2024
Indian and Chinese airlines are in talks with their respective governments about the possibility of resuming flights. China's ambassador to India has expressed hope that India will take "positive steps" to restart these flights and ease visa restrictions for Chinese nationals, according to reports.
In June 2024, China reiterated its call for India to resume direct passenger flights after a four-year hiatus. However, India remains hesitant, with the border dispute continuing to strain relations between the two nations. India and China’s ties have been fraught since the deadly border clash of June 2020, which marked the most severe military confrontation in decades. Thousands of troops continue to face off along the contested border.
(With inputs from agencies)
He stressed the need for "mutual trust and less suspicion" between the two regional powers, the statement noted. This comes after both countries began implementing a recent agreement to resolve a military standoff along the disputed Himalayan border. Additionally, Wang called on India to enhance cooperation by facilitating journalist exchanges and simplifying visa processes.
Direct flights between India and China were suspended in early 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions. In 2019, 539 direct flights operated between India and China. However, the outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic, combined with a violent border clash between army personnel of both countries, in June 2020, led to the suspension of the flights.
Also read | India, China troops to complete disengagement by Oct 29 in Demchok, Depsang of eastern Ladakh
The resumption of direct flights has been complicated by political tensions and visa restrictions. The June 2020 border clash resulted in the death Indian and Chinese soldiers, and thousands of troops from both nations remain stationed along the Himalayan border.
The suspension of direct flights has significantly increased both travel time and costs between the two countries. For instance, a round-trip between New Delhi and Beijing, which took about six hours and cost around Rs 42,00 in 2019, now takes over 10.5 hours and can cost over Rs 1 lakh.
Also read | Chronicle of Conflict: The India-China border dispute from 1950 to 2024
Indian and Chinese airlines are in talks with their respective governments about the possibility of resuming flights. China's ambassador to India has expressed hope that India will take "positive steps" to restart these flights and ease visa restrictions for Chinese nationals, according to reports.
In June 2024, China reiterated its call for India to resume direct passenger flights after a four-year hiatus. However, India remains hesitant, with the border dispute continuing to strain relations between the two nations. India and China’s ties have been fraught since the deadly border clash of June 2020, which marked the most severe military confrontation in decades. Thousands of troops continue to face off along the contested border.
(With inputs from agencies)
(Edited by : Jerome Anthony)
First Published: Nov 19, 2024 11:41 AM IST
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