China's foreign minister meets Indian counterpart, calls for resumption of direct flights

China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi has emphasized the need to restore direct flights and improve bilateral ties with India, signaling a thaw in relations following a prolonged standoff over border disputes. Wang made these remarks during a meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar in Rio de Janeiro, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.

“We should strive to make tangible progress on the resumption of direct flights, dispatching of journalists, and facilitation of visa as soon as possible,” Wang said, according to China's foreign ministry.

The discussion marks a shift in the relationship between the two nations, which had been strained since the 2020 border skirmishes in the Himalayas. The clashes, which led to casualties on both sides, resulted in a military buildup, suspension of direct flights, and delays in visa processing.


Relations began to improve after a breakthrough in October, when Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met for the first time in two years, agreeing to de-escalate tensions.

Highlighting the potential for collaboration, Wang remarked, “China’s and India’s common interests far outweigh their differences. The two sides should see each other’s development as an opportunity.”

The restoration of flights and eased visa processes would mark significant steps toward normalizing ties between the two Asian neighbors, underscoring efforts to prioritize development over discord.