India-China direct flights resuming soon; Mansarovar Yatra under discussion: MEA

Direct flights between India and China could resume soon and both sides are already discussing working out technical arrangements, a spokesperson for the Indian foreign ministry said Thursday (April 17) during a weekly presser.

“In principle, both countries have agreed that flight operations will resume. The technical teams on both sides are looking into the technical arrangements for the flight services to resume,” Randhir Jaiswal told reporters.

“The two civil aviation authorities have met and are discussing the relevant modalities, including the updated framework,” the spokesperson added.

Notably, New Delhi and Beijing agreed to resume direct flights in January this year. Flights were halted after the outbreak of the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent deadly border clashes in 2020. Before the suspension, airlines on both sides operated dozens of flights every week connecting major cities of the two nations.

‘Some issues remain unresolved’

Earlier this week, India’s Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam had revealed that while talks to resume flights with China have begun, some issues still remained unresolved.

Vualnam on April 14 said that the talks are at a preliminary stage and no specific dates have been set for the resumption of flights.

Last month, Chinese Consul General in Kolkata, Xu Wei, stated that both China and India are engaged in ongoing discussions aimed at restoring direct air connectivity between the two nations. This followed a statement by the Indian foreign ministry which noted that during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to China in January, both sides had agreed “in principle” to resume direct flights.

China’s warm gesture

Meanwhile, Beijing is already rolling out red carpets to welcome Indian citizens to China.

Chinese Ambassador to India Xu Feihong recently revealed that China has issued over 85,000 visas to Indian citizens between January 1 and April 9 of this year.

“As of April 9, 2025, the Chinese Embassy and Consulates in India have issued more than 85,000 visas to Indian citizens travelling to China this year. Welcome more Indian friends to visit China, and experience an open, safe, vibrant, sincere and friendly China,” Xu Feihong posted on X.

China has also reportedly slashed visa fees for Indians and announced several relaxations in rules.

The move is crucial as it comes amid rising tensions between the United States and China over tariff disputes. China has urged India to align with it in opposing what it described as the “US misuse of tariffs,” following President Donald Trump’s announcement of a major hike in tariffs on Chinese goods. Restoring direct air connectivity between India and China could signal a step toward closer economic cooperation, even as global trade dynamics shift.

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

During the Thursday presser, Jaiswal also gave an update on the potential resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

The spokesperson said the pilgrimage could resume soon, and the government was expected to issue a public notice.

“We will soon issue a notice for the public on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. There is a possibility of resumption of the Yatra soon,” Jaiswal said.