Direct flights between India and China were suspended after the Galwan Valley conflict. Nearly five years later, there are indications of improving relations between the two countries, and direct flight service may resume at the beginning of next month.
The central government has instructed airlines like Air India and Indigo to be prepared to start flights to China immediately. Before the coronavirus pandemic, there were approximately 539 direct flights per month. The official announcement of this decision is expected during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit at the end of August.
Recently, India has resumed issuing visas to Chinese tourists from July 24. Additionally, in the backdrop of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China, diplomatic dialogue between the two countries has increased. China has welcomed Modi's visit to participate in the SCO summit, and this visit, occurring after seven years, is considered important for bilateral relations.