India-China Ties Improve: Direct Flights May Resume Ahead of SCO Summit

India prepares to resume direct flights with China and strengthens diplomatic ties ahead of PM Modi’s SCO summit visit, signaling a strategic response to US tariffs and potential trade growth between the two nations.

New Delhi: After the US imposed heavy tariffs on India, the Indian government is now strengthening its stand diplomatically. In this episode, direct air flights between India and China, which were stopped due to the COVID-19 epidemic, may resume soon.

This move indicates an improvement in the deteriorated relations between the two countries. According to a Reuters report, the Indian government has instructed major airlines like Air India and Indigo to be ready to start flights to China. These flights can be started suddenly, which will provide relief to the passengers.

Importance of air services

Before COVID-19, direct air flights used to operate between India and China, but they were stopped due to the pandemic and border dispute. Since then, passengers have had to travel via cities like Hong Kong, Singapore, or Bangkok, increasing both travel time and cost. Resumption of direct flights will make travel easier and more affordable, which will also boost trade and tourism between the two countries.

Impact of US tariffs

Meanwhile, US President Donald Trump has announced a 50% tariff on India, of which 25% has already been implemented and the remaining 25% will be implemented from August 28. In response to this, the Indian government is adopting a strategy to improve relations with China so that trade options can be increased.

History of tension in India-China relations

Relations between India and China have been tense since the violent clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020. After this incident, both the countries increased military deployment on the border, and several rounds of military and diplomatic talks took place, but many issues are still unresolved. Due to this tension, India banned investment from China, started a strict investigation on imports, and stopped direct air flights. This also affected business activities and the movement of common people between the two countries.

Prime Minister Modi's visit to China and the SCO summit

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit to be held in Tianjin City, China, on August 28. This will be PM Modi's first visit to China since 2018. The SCO is a regional organization that includes China, Russia, and Central Asian countries and focuses on security, trade, and political cooperation. During this, PM Modi may also have a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, which will be an important step towards improving the strained relations since 2020.

The resumption of air services between India and China and the bilateral talks to be held at the SCO summit raise hopes of a fresh improvement in relations between the two countries. Also, this diplomatic move by India in response to US tariffs can help it gain a stronger position in global trade. More clear results of these developments will emerge in the next few weeks.