India and China have agreed to reopen border trade through three key Himalayan passes-Lipulekh, Shipki La, and Nathu La-and to resume direct flight connectivity between their capitals. This decision follows the 24th round of the Special Representatives’ dialogue on the boundary question, led by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during his recent visit to New Delhi.
The move aims to ease years of tensions that escalated after the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes by promoting economic engagement, connectivity, and people-to-people interactions. Both governments view this step as crucial to stabilising bilateral relations, supporting border communities, and fostering a more predictable and peaceful environment along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
Reopening Borders and Flights: Details and Impact
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that the three designated passes-Lipulekh in Uttarakhand, Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh, and Nathu La in Sikkim-will reopen for cross-border trade. This reopening is expected to facilitate the movement of goods, pilgrims, and local people, thereby revitalising economic and cultural exchanges that have been stifled for over five years.
Alongside this, India and China agreed to resume direct passenger flights between major cities such as New Delhi, Beijing, and Shanghai, restarting air connectivity that has been suspended since the COVID-19 pandemic coupled with diplomatic strains.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that updating the Air Services Agreement and simplifying visa procedures would further encourage tourism, business, and media exchanges. From China’s side, Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasised that these developments were “positive, constructive, and forward-looking,” reflecting a readiness to stabilise ties and reset bilateral relations.
Both sides committed to cooperating on sharing hydrological data for managing water resources and disaster relief along trans-border rivers, underpinning a broader spirit of collaboration beyond security concerns.
Context: Strained Relations and the Road to Reset
Bilateral relations between India and China have faced significant challenges since the deadly Galwan Valley clashes in June 2020, which left several soldiers killed on both sides and brought a sharp deterioration in diplomatic and economic ties. Trade routes through the border were suspended, and flights were halted, significantly impacting communities dependent on cross-border commerce and communication.
Despite multiple rounds of military and diplomatic talks, border disengagement remains incomplete in some sectors, with troop deployments continuing along parts of the LAC.
This most recent agreement to reopen border trade and flights signals a conscious effort by both nations to compartmentalise long-standing boundary disputes and advance confidence-building measures. The revival of trade through strategic mountain passes and the resumption of connectivity are aligned with the gradual thaw in ties fostered through years of backchannel diplomacy and official dialogue.
Importantly, these moves also pave the way for expanding the Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar pilgrimage routes starting in 2026, a symbolic gesture towards cultural and spiritual ties across borders.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
At The Logical Indian, we view this development as a cautiously optimistic step in the complex and often fraught relationship between India and China. The decision to revive trade and flights embodies the human need for connection and the practical realities of geographic proximity.
It is an encouraging reminder that dialogue and cooperation can prevail even in a challenging geopolitical landscape.
However, such gestures must be seen as part of a broader, continuous effort to build mutual empathy, respect, and understanding. The countries have a shared responsibility not only to secure their borders but also to foster harmony and coexistence for the millions of people living in border areas and beyond.
Whether through economic engagement, cultural exchange, or diplomatic dialogue, peace is nurtured by sustained kindness, openness, and a willingness to resolve differences constructively.
