India, China To Resume Direct Flights, Share River Data In Effort To Rebuild Ties: MEA

Last Updated:June 13, 2025, 19:57 IST

The two sides reviewed recent developments in India-China relations since their last meeting in Beijing in January this year

Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong. (Image via X/@China_Amb_India)

India and China have agreed to resume direct flights and share river data as part of efforts to stabilise and rebuild their bilateral relationship. The announcement came after talks between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong in the national capital on Thursday.

Weidong is on a two-day visit to India from 12 to 13 June 2025. This was his second meeting with Misri this year following their talks in Beijing on 27 January.

According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) press note, the two sides reviewed recent developments in India-China relations since their last meeting in Beijing in January this year. They agreed to focus on people-centred engagements to strengthen ties between the two countries.

One of the key outcomes of the meeting was an agreement to expedite the resumption of direct air services between India and China. “Foreign Secretary hoped for the early conclusion of an updated Air Services Agreement," MEA said.

In addition, the two countries agreed to take practical steps to facilitate visa processes and increase exchanges between media organisations and think-tanks.

Another important topic discussed was cooperation on trans-border rivers. The two sides referred to the April 2025 meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism, where they discussed the resumption of “hydrological data and other cooperation, and hoped for progress on them."

During the meeting, Misri also appreciated China’s cooperation for the resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra this year.

The meeting was held as part of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and China. “The two sides positively assessed the activities planned under the 75th anniversary of establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China and agreed to facilitate the same," the release stated.

The officials also agreed to hold further functional dialogues on economic and trade issues in the coming months to address specific concerns and promote cooperation.

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