India, China to Expedite Resumption of Direct Flights; Discuss Visa and Media Exchanges

India and China agree to fast-track steps for resuming direct air services, update Air Services Agreement, and facilitate visas, media, and think-tank exchanges.

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Sumit Kumar
New Update
India, China to Expedite Resumption of Direct Flights; Discuss Visa and Media Exchanges

By A Staff Reporter

New Delhi, June 13 — In a significant move toward normalizing bilateral exchanges, India and China have agreed to expedite the process of resuming direct air connectivity between the two countries. The development comes as part of ongoing diplomatic efforts to rebuild trust and enhance people-to-people interactions.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two sides have also committed to taking practical steps to facilitate visa issuance and promote exchanges between media outlets and policy think-tanks.

“The two sides agreed to expedite steps involved in resuming direct air services between the two countries,” the MEA said in a statement issued following high-level diplomatic discussions.

Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra expressed optimism about concluding an updated Air Services Agreement at the earliest, which would streamline the framework for future civil aviation ties.

“The Foreign Secretary hoped for the early conclusion of an updated Air Services Agreement,” the MEA noted.

Additionally, both nations acknowledged the need to enhance cultural and intellectual engagement. “The two sides further agreed to take practical steps for visa facilitation and exchanges between media and think-tanks,” the statement added.