Xi Jinping and PM Modi set for key BRICS 2026 bilateral meeting in New Delhi (Image: Google)
Guangzhou/New Delhi: China Southern Airlines has announced the resumption of direct passenger flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi after a six-year suspension, marking a fresh step towards improving India-China connectivity ahead of the 18th BRICS Summit. The development comes as Chinese President Xi Jinping arrives in India for a key bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, signalling another phase in the gradual improvement of ties between the two Asian neighbours.
China Southern Airlines will resume regular passenger operations on the Guangzhou-New Delhi route from September 21, 2026, according to reports. The airline said the move is part of its wider expansion plan in South Asia, where it will operate more than 100 weekly flights across eight round-trip routes. The restart of the air route comes after years of suspension caused by multiple factors, including the COVID-19 pandemic and diplomatic tensions following the Doklam standoff and the 2020 Galwan Valley clash.
The resumption of flights reflects the gradual rebuilding of India-China ties after a prolonged period of strained relations. Earlier in 2026, Air India restarted flights between New Delhi and China after nearly six years. The move was followed by Air China restoring its Beijing-Delhi service and China Eastern Airlines restarting direct flights between Kunming and Kolkata. IndiGo also expanded its China operations by launching direct flights between Kolkata and Shanghai while restoring connectivity between Indian cities and Guangzhou.
Chinese President Xi Jinping is visiting New Delhi to attend the 18th BRICS Summit following an invitation from Prime Minister Narendra Modi. This marks Xi’s first visit to India after the Galwan Valley clash in 2020, which significantly impacted bilateral relations between the two countries. In recent months, India-China relations have shown signs of improvement, with Prime Minister Modi and President Xi holding discussions during international meetings in Kazan and Tianjin.
Xi Jinping has departed Beijing and is scheduled to arrive in New Delhi. His delegation includes senior Chinese officials, including Cai Qi, a member of the Communist Party of China’s top leadership, and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. The much-awaited bilateral meeting between PM Modi and Xi Jinping is scheduled for Saturday evening, where both leaders are expected to discuss regional stability, economic cooperation, trade and future India-China relations.
