India-China Resume Direct Flights After 5-Year Suspension
The Facts
- Direct flights between India and China will resume later this year following a five-year suspension, according to an announcement made by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday.
- Air travel was initially suspended in 2020 due to the COVID pandemic. Services remained frozen, however, following border clashes that resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers.
- In its press release, the ministry stated that direct air travel will connect to "designated points" in both countries, with operations set to begin in late October, subject to the decision of designated commercial carriers and "operational criteria."
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The Spin
Narrative A
The agreement between China and India is a step in the right direction following years of frozen relations between the two nations. This arrangement will resume direct flights and facilitate further people-to-people exchanges, which will contribute to the gradual normalization of Sino-Indian relations.
Narrative B
For India, abandoning the U.S. for closer ties with China would be a geostrategic error. Despite the détente, China remains economically and strategically committed to Pakistan, India's closest geopolitical adversary, and has a history of actively countering India’s economic goals and manufacturing industry. Instead of looking east, India should retain its western alliances.
Narrative C
This latest example of the growing rapprochement between India and China is a direct consequence of U.S. failed foreign policy. By insulting India and placing punitive tariffs on the country, the Trump administration has pushed what was a firm and important ally in the region into the arms of its biggest rival.
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