India and China have agreed to resume direct flights and strengthen trade and investment ties as both nations work to rebuild relations affected by the 2020 border clashes. The announcement came following Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s two-day visit to New Delhi, where he met with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval for the 24th round of border talks.
While no specific date was set for the resumption of flights, the agreement marks a key step in re-establishing connectivity and boosting economic engagement between the Asian giants.
The discussions also focused on reopening border trade at three designated points and facilitating visa processes to encourage smoother cross-border exchanges. Both countries agreed to establish a working group to consult and coordinate on border affairs, covering the eastern and middle sections of the boundary, while another round of talks is planned for the western section. Beijing confirmed that India and China will meet again in China in 2026 to continue negotiations.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the importance of stable and constructive ties, noting that improved India-China relations would significantly benefit regional and global peace and prosperity. Modi is scheduled to visit China later this month for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit, marking his first trip to the country in over seven years.
Water security was also addressed during the talks, with India raising concerns about China’s mega dam project on the Yarlung Zangbo river in Tibet, which becomes the Brahmaputra in India and Bangladesh. India stressed the importance of transparency and sharing emergency hydrological information to safeguard downstream communities. China agreed to engage in expert-level discussions and maintain communication for flood reporting arrangements.
Additionally, Wang assured India that Beijing was taking steps to address three key Indian requirements: fertilizers, rare earths, and tunnel-boring machines. Both sides agreed on enhancing mutual trust through dialogue, expanding cooperation, and achieving consensus on border control and demarcation issues, reflecting a cautious but steady improvement in bilateral relations.
