India and China May Resume Direct Flights as Ties Improve

Aug 13, 2025 – India and China are likely to resume direct flights between the two countries. An official announcement is expected during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit, starting August 31 in Tianjin, which Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to attend. There is, however, no official confirmation regarding the visit.

Sources indicate that the government has instructed airlines such as Air India and IndiGo to prepare for resuming flights which may start as early as next month.

Direct flights between the two countries had been suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic and the Galwan Valley clash in 2020 which led to several casualties on both sides. As a result, passengers have been forced to travel via cities like Hong Kong, Singapore or Bangkok, increasing both travel time and expenses. The resumption of direct flights would bring much-needed relief.

This move is being seen as a potential thaw in India-China relations after years of diplomatic strain, and could pave the way for economic, cultural and people-to-people exchanges to regain momentum.

Following the imposition of tariffs by the US, the prospects for cooperation between India and China have strengthened. Prior to this, the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra had already marked diplomatic progress. Last month the Indian government had again started issuing tourist visas to China after a gap of five years.