India's IndiGo airline resumed direct flights to China after a five-year hiatus due to border tensions and COVID-19. This resumption signifies a potential easing of long-standing diplomatic strains between the two nations.

The recent resumption of direct flights between India and China by IndiGo marks a notable development in the diplomatic relations between the two countries, which had been strained due to border tensions and the COVID-19 pandemic. The flight from Kolkata to Guangzhou, carrying over 170 passengers, is the first in five years, indicating a thaw in relations. This move is part of a broader trend, as India has also resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals and China has lifted restrictions on certain exports to India. Despite these positive steps, experts warn that the core issues, particularly the territorial disputes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), remain unresolved. Analysts describe the current diplomatic thaw as tactical rather than strategic, emphasizing the need for sustained dialogue to address underlying tensions. The situation is fluid, and while there is cautious optimism, the relationship remains fragile due to historical distrust.