India, China agree to boost border security, resume direct flights

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his visit to China, where both sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in border areas and held discussions on regional and global issues.

Following the meeting, Modi stated on X that India and China would continue making steady progress in developing diplomatic ties, according to India media.

“Since my meeting with President Xi in Kazan last year, India-China relations have made steady progress guided by respect for each other's interests and sensitivities,” he wrote.

He added, “I look forward to our next meeting in Tianjin on the sidelines of the SCO summit. Stable, predictable, and constructive ties between India and China will contribute significantly to peace and prosperity in the region and around the world.”

During the talks, Wang Yi delivered a personal message and invitation from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Modi to attend the SCO summit, according to Indian media reports.

 The Chinese minister also held a separate meeting with Indian National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, where they discussed issues of border security.

According to the Indian side, the issue of terrorism, including cross-border terrorism, was also raised. Modi emphasised the importance of maintaining peace and tranquillity along the border and reiterated India’s commitment to finding a “fair, reasonable, and mutually acceptable solution to the border issue.”

“Minister Wang Yi agreed that the fight against terrorism should be given top priority,” the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement.

In addition to security, the two countries agreed to resume direct air services, which had been suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced that both sides would restore direct air links “as soon as possible” and complete work on updating the bilateral air services agreement.

The ministry further noted that discussions also covered the potential simplification of visa rules for tourists, business representatives, media workers, and other categories of travellers. Since the suspension of flights, passengers between the two countries have had to rely on transit hubs such as Hong Kong or Singapore.

The move to restore direct connectivity comes at a time of heightened tension between New Delhi and Washington. Relations with the US have soured after President Donald Trump doubled tariffs on Indian goods to 50 per cent, imposing them as a penalty for India’s continued purchases of Russian oil.

By Tamilla Hasanova