India, China Discuss Resuming Direct Flights, No Dates Set

India and China recently held initial discussions on resuming direct passenger air services, but no specific dates have been set yet. Civil Aviation Secretary Vumlunmang Vualnam confirmed that one round of talks took place, indicating a thaw in relations that have been strained since the 2020 border clash. The two countries agreed in January to work on resolving trade and economic issues, which is expected to boost their aviation sectors, particularly as China seeks to recover from the pandemic's impact. Although progress has been made, Vualnam noted that certain unresolved issues still exist. The discussions reflect a broader diplomatic thaw following an agreement in October 2023 to ease military tensions along their shared border. Both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping have also engaged in bilateral talks recently, highlighting efforts to improve relations.