China and India have agreed to resume direct flights between the Chinese mainland and India, marking a significant step toward strengthening ties between the two countries. The decision was announced following a meeting between Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Indian Foreign Secretary Shri Vikram Misri in Beijing on Monday.
The meeting focused on implementing the common understandings reached by Chinese and Indian leaders at their meeting in Kazan. Here are some key takeaways from their discussions:
Support for the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO): India pledged its full support for China’s role as the rotating chair of the SCO and will actively participate in activities hosted by China under the SCO framework.
Enhanced Communication: Both sides agreed to engage more actively at all levels, strengthening strategic communication and building political mutual trust through bilateral and multilateral platforms.
Celebrating 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations: China and India will jointly commemorate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025. Plans include media and think tank exchanges, Track II dialogues, and cultural exchanges.
Resumption of Direct Flights: The countries agreed to resume direct flights, facilitating easier travel and personnel exchanges. They will also support mutual dispatch of journalists.
Pilgrimage Routes: Both nations aim to promote the resumption of pilgrimages by Indian pilgrims to the sacred mountain and lake of Xizang in China by 2025, with negotiations on arrangements to commence soon.
Cooperation on Cross-Border Rivers: China and India will continue to cooperate on matters concerning cross-border rivers and plan to hold a new round of expert-level meetings.
The Chinese side emphasized the importance of acting in the fundamental interests of both countries and peoples. They called for an open and constructive attitude to promote dialogue, enhance trust, and properly handle differences. The goal is to guide public opinion positively and advance China-India relations on a stable track.
