India-China relations, strained after COVID-19 and the Galwan clashes, have shown a positive turn following recent discussions at the Shanghai summit. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping reached multiple agreements, including the restoration of direct flights between the two countries. The Ministry of External Affairs of India confirmed that both nations’ airlines are making arrangements to restart services from October 26, in line with the winter schedule.
Prime Minister Modi highlighted the progress in bilateral ties on social media, noting continuous high-level dialogues between India and China. Modi’s visit to China and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India were cited as important milestones. Modi emphasized that respecting mutual interests and sensitive issues has facilitated improved relations, particularly following his meeting with President Xi in Kazan, Russia last year.
At the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit in Shanghai, several meetings were held between officials from both countries, including Modi and Xi, where key issues such as the Galwan clashes and resumption of flight services were discussed. The agreements reached mark a significant step toward normalising relations, with direct air connectivity between India and China set to resume after five years.