India and China are resuming direct flights after five years of suspension and say they will strengthen trade ties. Their relationship has long been defined by rivalry, competing ambitions and a disputed border. Now, India and China are resuming direct flights after a five-year suspension. United States President Donald Trump's tariffs and a shifting trade landscape could push them closer together.
India and China will resume direct flights after more than five years as two of the world's biggest economies seek to rebuild political ties at a time of rising global trade uncertainties. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement Thursday that air service with China can start by later this month "subject to commercial decision of the designated carriers from the two countries" and fulfillment of other operational criteria.
The China-hosted Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit concluded on Monday, highlighting Beijing's push to advance its vision for a new global security and economic order in the age of Trump 2.0. Joined by more than 20 world leaders, including from India and Russia, the bloc's largest summit wrapped up with a joint declaration signed by ten member states, pledging a deepened strategic alliance in the Global South.