Beijing, Oct 9 (NationPress) – China expressed its support on Thursday for the renewal of direct flights with India, labeling it an "active step" that promotes amicable interactions between the two countries. During a routine media briefing in Beijing, a representative from the Chinese Foreign Ministry emphasized that this choice reflects how both nations "faithfully implement" the significant agreements forged between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping during their recent talks in Tianjin.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Guo Jiakun also conveyed Beijing's willingness to collaborate with New Delhi in managing bilateral relations from a strategic and long-term viewpoint.

"China and India plan to reinstate direct flights before the conclusion of October this year. This latest initiative illustrates how both sides faithfully implement the key understandings established between President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Tianjin on August 31. It is also a proactive measure that enhances the friendly exchanges of over 2.8 billion Chinese and Indian citizens.

"China is prepared to partner with India to perceive and manage bilateral relations through a strategic and long-term lens, fostering a friendship marked by good-neighborliness and mutual success, and achieving a cooperative relationship akin to a ballet between the dragon and the elephant, thereby delivering tangible benefits for both peoples and contributing to maintaining peace and prosperity in Asia and beyond," Guo stated.

On October 2, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reported that direct air services connecting selected points in India and China can resume by late October 2025.

Since the beginning of this year, the civil aviation authorities of both nations have been in technical discussions regarding the reinstatement of direct air services and a revised Air Services Agreement as part of the Indian government's strategy for gradually normalizing relations with China.

According to a statement from the MEA, following these discussions, it has been agreed that direct air services connecting designated points in India and China can recommence by late October 2025, in alignment with the winter season schedule, pending commercial decisions made by the designated carriers from both nations and compliance with all operational criteria.

"This agreement from the civil aviation authorities will further encourage people-to-people connections between India and China, aiding the gradual normalization of bilateral interactions," the statement added.

During their meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on August 31, PM Modi and Xi Jinping highlighted the pragmatic approach taken by both countries in prioritizing dialogue, confidence-building measures, and regional engagement. The discussions aimed to fortify bilateral relations and build on the recent advancements in India-China ties.

"The two leaders expressed satisfaction with the successful disengagement achieved last year and the preservation of peace and tranquility along the border areas since then. They committed to a fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable resolution of the boundary issue, taking into account the political perspective of their overall bilateral relations and the long-term interests of both peoples. They acknowledged the significant decisions made by the two Special Representatives in their discussions earlier this month and agreed to further support their initiatives," the MEA stated following the leaders' meeting.

Previously, the two leaders convened on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit in Kazan, Russia, in 2024. The breakthrough in dialogue was facilitated by both sides agreeing on patrolling protocols along the 3,500-km-long Line of Actual Control (LAC), effectively resolving a four-year border standoff.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India in August for the Special Representatives (SR) discussions regarding the boundary issue and mentioned that Beijing places "great importance" on PM Modi's visit to Tianjin.

Earlier, the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra, which had been suspended for an extended period, was reinstated for the summer of 2025. The Yatra has not been conducted since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent cessation of Yatra arrangements by the Chinese authorities.