China Eastern Airlines Resumes India Flights After Five-Year Hiatus

China Eastern Airlines is set to resume its flights between Shanghai and Delhi on November 9. This announcement marks the end of a five-year hiatus in commercial flights due to diplomatic tensions between India and China.

Resumption of Air Travel

The airline will operate these flights three times a week: Wednesdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This development follows a thaw in diplomatic relations, largely influenced by shifting U.S. trade policies.

Background of the Hiatus

• Direct flights between India and China were suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020.
• Heightened tensions arose after deadly border clashes the same year, leading to a military standoff.
• The clashes resulted in the deaths of four Chinese soldiers and 20 Indian soldiers.

India’s foreign ministry confirmed earlier this month that commercial flights would resume as part of improving bilateral relations. This announcement coincided with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s recent visit to China, his first in over seven years.

Discussions on Trade

During Prime Minister Modi’s visit, trade ties were a significant topic. He expressed concerns regarding India’s increasing trade deficit with China. Concurrently, IndiGo, India’s largest airline, announced plans for daily nonstop flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou. This move indicates a growing interest in enhancing direct air links.

Impact of U.S. Policies

The diplomatic thaw between India and China comes amidst escalating trade tensions with the United States. U.S. President Donald Trump has implemented substantial tariffs on Indian imports and urged the EU for similar actions against both India and China. These strategies appear to be driven by ongoing global concerns, such as Russia’s war in Ukraine.

Future Prospects

The renewed air services could foster stronger economic ties between India and China, paving the way for more connectivity and cooperation in various sectors.

China Eastern Airlines’ return to India represents a significant step in restoring travel links that were severed during a tumultuous period. As diplomatic relations improve, more airlines may follow suit, potentially leading to further collaboration between the two nations.