Preparations are going on to start direct flights again after 5 years between India and China. On Thursday, China said it was interacting with India to restore air connectivity as soon as possible. This news has aroused new hopes to improve relations between the two countries. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lynn Gian said, “We are in constant touch with India to start direct flights between the two countries soon.” He said that both sides are working seriously on this issue. According to reports, it can be officially announced during the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) conference to be held in Tianjin from 31 August to 1 September.
Important conversation in Shanghai
Meanwhile, in Shanghai, India’s Considering Affector Prateek Mathur met senior management of China Eastern Airlines. In this meeting, there was a discussion on increasing cooperation in air services and hospitality sector. The Indian Embassy posted on X, ‘There is immense potential in tourism and air services in Shanghai. Negotiations with China Eastern Airlines have raised new expectations in this direction.
Direct flights were discontinued in 2020
Let us tell you that air services between India and China were discontinued in 2020 due to Kovid-19 epidemic and military tension in eastern Ladakh. Companies like China Eastern Airlines and Air China used to operate daily flights to many Indian cities including Delhi. Now the start of direct flights for a total population of more than 2.8 billion of the two countries will promote travel, trade and mutual cooperation.
‘Are working to implement agreements’
Lynn Gian said, “With the start of direct flights, travel between the two countries will be easy and mutual cooperation will be strengthened.” He also informed that the two countries are working to implement the agreements between the leaders. After the recent meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, the two countries decided to resume several dialogues.
‘Both countries ready to increase mutual confidence’
It is reported that Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi may come to India on 18 August. He will take part in special representative talks with National Security Advisor Ajit Doval. Wang and Doval are special representatives to discuss the border dispute between the two countries. Lynn said, “Both countries are in touch at various levels and are ready to increase mutual trust.” However, the official confirmation of this journey is yet to come.
China desires to strengthen relations
China has expressed a desire to further strengthen relations with India. Lynn said, ‘Both India and China are important members of large developing countries and Global South. ‘Dragon and Elephant’ supporting each other is the right way for both. ‘ He said that the two countries should increase mutual cooperation, resolve differences wisely and work together on forums like SCO.
Why can the restoration of flights be important?
For the last four years, the relationship between the two countries was cool due to military tension in Ladakh. But now flights are expected to start again and high level talks are expected to return warmth. If flights start again, it will not only make travel easier for people of both countries, but will also promote trade, tourism and cultural exchange.
