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China and India Restore Direct Flights, Marking Diplomatic Progress
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Published: October 21, 2024
BEIJING – After a five-year hiatus, direct air links between China and India are set to resume, with China Eastern Airlines announcing the restart of flights between Shanghai and Delhi on November 9th.This progress signals a notable warming in relations between the two Asian giants following a period of diplomatic tension.
Flight Schedule and Availability
According to China Eastern Airlines’ website, the Shanghai-Delhi route will initially operate three times weekly, on Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Tickets are currently available for purchase through the airline’s online platform. china Eastern Airlines has not yet issued a formal statement in response to inquiries regarding the resumption of services.
Official Confirmation and context
The resumption of commercial flights was officially announced by India’s foreign ministry earlier this month. This move follows a recent high-level meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President xi Jinping at the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit – Modi’s first visit to China in over seven years.
SCO Summit Discussions
During the SCO summit, both leaders engaged in discussions focused on strengthening trade ties. Prime Minister Modi also raised concerns regarding India’s growing trade deficit with China. Further details on the summit can be found in this report from Channel NewsAsia.
Expanding Air Connectivity
China Eastern Airlines is not the only carrier re-establishing routes. India’s largest airline, IndiGo, has already announced daily non-stop flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport has expressed its intention to encourage the opening of additional direct routes, including a potential connection between Guangzhou and Delhi.
Background to the Suspension
Direct air links between China and India were suspended in 2020 following deadly clashes between troops along their shared Himalayan border.These clashes led to a prolonged military standoff and a significant deterioration in bilateral relations.
The resumption of flights represents a crucial step towards normalizing relations and fostering greater economic cooperation between China and India.
While challenges remain,the re-establishment of air connectivity offers a positive sign for the future of Sino-indian relations.The increased ease of travel is expected to facilitate trade, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.
Route Summary
| Airline | Origin | Destination | Frequency | Start Date |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| China Eastern Airlines | Shanghai | Delhi | 3 times/week | November 9, 2024 |
| IndiGo | Kolkata | Guangzhou | Daily | (Announced – Date unspecified) |
It’s a fascinating time for international relations, isn’t it? I’m genuinely curious to hear yoru thoughts on this development. Do you think this signals a lasting enhancement
