Fri Oct 03 08:57:35 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary and a news article based on the provided text:
**Summary:**
India and China are resuming direct flights after a five-year suspension caused by the pandemic and border tensions. This move signals a thaw in relations and a desire for closer ties, potentially driven by shared concerns over US trade policies under the Trump administration, including increased tariffs on both countries. The resumption follows a recent meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Xi where they emphasized partnership over rivalry and discussed strengthening trade ties.
**News Article:**
**India and China Resume Direct Flights Amid Thawing Relations and US Trade Concerns**
**NEW DELHI/BEIJING** – India and China are set to resume direct flights between select cities this month, marking a significant step towards normalizing relations after a five-year suspension. The decision, announced by Indian authorities, comes as both nations grapple with the impact of aggressive trade policies implemented by the Trump administration, including substantial tariffs.
Direct flights were halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and remained suspended amid escalating border tensions. However, the Indian Embassy in China announced via WeChat that flights between designated cities would resume by late October, contingent on commercial carrier decisions. IndiGo, India’s largest carrier, has already confirmed the resumption of flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou starting October 26th.
This development follows Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting last month, his first in seven years. During the meeting, Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping discussed strengthening trade ties and agreed to view their countries as development partners rather than rivals, particularly in light of global tariff uncertainty.
The resumption of flights and renewed focus on partnership are seen by analysts as a potential response to rising trade pressures from the US. The Trump administration recently increased tariffs on Indian imports to 50% and has urged the EU to impose similar punitive tariffs on goods from China and India, citing their trade relationship with Russia.
Relations between India and China deteriorated sharply in 2020 following deadly clashes along their disputed Himalayan border, resulting in a freeze in high-level political engagements. The resumption of flights signals a deliberate effort to de-escalate tensions and foster economic cooperation amid evolving global geopolitical dynamics.
First Piper 