India Eyes Direct Flights to China During Foreign Minister’s Visit: A Step Towards Rekindling Ties
Tokyo, Japan – July 18, 2025 – In a significant development signaling a potential thaw in diplomatic relations, India’s External Affairs Minister is undertaking a visit to China, marking the first such trip in five years. According to information released by the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) on July 18, 2025, the Minister has expressed a strong desire to see the resumption of direct flights between the two Asian giants.
This visit and the expressed intent regarding air travel come at a time when India-China relations have been strained by various geopolitical and border issues. The lack of direct flight connectivity has been a tangible representation of this distance, impacting not only diplomatic exchanges but also trade, tourism, and people-to-people connections.
Why Direct Flights Matter:
The resumption of direct flights between India and China holds multifaceted importance:
- Diplomatic Engagement: Direct air routes facilitate easier and more frequent high-level interactions between government officials, fostering dialogue and potentially leading to the resolution of outstanding issues.
- Economic Boost: For businesses, direct flights dramatically reduce travel time and costs, making it more efficient to conduct trade, attend conferences, and explore investment opportunities. This could lead to a significant boost in bilateral trade and economic cooperation.
- Tourism and Cultural Exchange: Easier travel opens the doors for increased tourism from both sides, allowing citizens to experience each other’s rich cultures and histories. This, in turn, can foster greater understanding and goodwill.
- People-to-People Connections: For individuals with family or professional ties in the other country, direct flights offer a much-needed convenient and accessible mode of travel.
- Logistical Efficiency: Beyond passenger travel, direct flights can also improve the efficiency of cargo transport, supporting supply chains and economic activity.
A Five-Year Hiatus and the Path Forward:
The fact that this is the first ministerial visit in five years underscores the subdued nature of bilateral engagement in recent times. The border skirmishes and subsequent diplomatic standoffs have cast a long shadow over the relationship.
The Indian Foreign Minister’s initiative to push for direct flights is a clear signal of New Delhi’s willingness to re-engage and improve connectivity. This move could be interpreted as a proactive step towards rebuilding trust and finding common ground for cooperation.
What to Expect:
While the desire for direct flights has been expressed, the actual resumption will likely depend on several factors, including:
- Political Will: Agreement from both the Indian and Chinese governments to prioritize and facilitate the re-establishment of flight routes.
- Regulatory Approvals: Navigating aviation agreements and obtaining necessary clearances from aviation authorities in both countries.
- Airline Capacity and Demand: Assessing the commercial viability and operational feasibility for airlines to reinstate these routes.
- Broader Diplomatic Climate: The overall trajectory of India-China relations will undoubtedly influence the pace and success of these efforts.
JETRO’s Role:
The Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) plays a crucial role in disseminating information about global business and economic trends. By reporting on such significant diplomatic initiatives, JETRO provides valuable insights for businesses and stakeholders interested in the evolving economic and political landscape of Asia.
The upcoming discussions during the Indian Foreign Minister’s visit to China are keenly awaited. The potential revival of direct flight routes could mark a turning point, paving the way for a more robust and interconnected future for two of the world’s most populous nations. This development, if realized, would not only benefit the bilateral relationship but also have wider implications for regional stability and economic growth.
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The following question was used to generate the response from Google Gemini:
At 2025-07-18 07:10, ‘インド外相、5年ぶり訪中で直行便再開にも意欲’ was published according to 日本貿易振興機構. Please write a detailed article with related information in an easy-to-understand manner. Please answer in English.