Core Points - The restoration of direct flights between China and India is expected to enhance economic and trade relations, providing stability and sustainability to bilateral ties [1][4][8] Group 1: Airline Operations - Indigo Airlines is the first carrier to resume direct flights, starting from October 26, 2023, with a route from Kolkata to Guangzhou, followed by a daily flight from Delhi to Guangzhou starting November 10, 2023 [2][3] - The weekly flight frequency from Guangzhou to India will reach 14 round trips, with ticket sales already initiated [2] - Indian Airlines plans to re-enter the Chinese market by launching direct flights from Delhi to Shanghai by the end of the year [2][3] Group 2: Economic Impact - The direct flights are anticipated to significantly reduce travel time and costs, which had increased by over 40% during the five-year hiatus due to reliance on third-country transit [3][4] - In 2019, there were over 500 flights monthly between the two countries, indicating substantial market potential that remains untapped [3][4] - The bilateral trade volume is projected to reach $138.48 billion in 2024, providing a stable foundation for business travel [4] Group 3: Tourism Sector - The restoration of direct flights is seen as a transformative opportunity for the tourism market, allowing for more competitive pricing and innovative travel products [5][6] - Travel agencies are preparing to launch new tour packages centered around the direct flight offerings, enhancing customer experience and reducing costs [5][6] - The direct flights are expected to facilitate cultural exchanges and strengthen ties between the two nations, benefiting the tourism industry [6][9] Group 4: Geopolitical Context - The resumption of direct flights is viewed as a strategic move to improve bilateral relations amidst a backdrop of geopolitical tensions [3][8] - It reflects a shift in India's perception of China from a competitive stance to one of cooperation, aligning with leaders' consensus on partnership [8][9] - The direct flights are expected to restore trust and facilitate people-to-people connections, which are crucial for long-term bilateral relations [8][9]

中印两国近日就恢复印度香客赴中国西藏神山圣湖朝圣达成共识，这是继2014年双方签署《中华人 民共和国和印度共和国关于构建更加紧密的发展伙伴关系的联合声明》后，中印人文交流的又一重要进 展。中国外交部发言人郭嘉昆明确表示，印度香客赴藏朝圣是两国人文交流的重要内容，中方始终以最 大诚意保障印度信众的宗教需求。这一举措不仅体现了中国对印度宗教文化的尊重，更展现了中方推动 双边关系健康发展的积极姿态。 宗教文化纽带跨越喜马拉雅 冈仁波齐峰与玛旁雍错湖作为藏传佛教、印度教等宗教的共同圣地，千百年来承载着跨文明的精神 对话。历史上，朝圣路线便是中印民间交往的重要通道。2015年西藏自治区政府专门修建普兰口岸朝圣 接待中心，配备医疗站、翻译人员和应急保障体系，做好服务接待印度香客工作。此次扫榻相迎，正是 践行"与邻为善"外交理念的生动写照。这种基于文化共鸣的互动，远比地缘博弈更能打动人心。 善意需要双向奔赴 把握契机推动关系行稳致远 当前中印关系正处于关键阶段，双方在边界问题上的对话与人文领域的合作理应并行不悖。中国始 终认为，一个健康稳定的中印关系符合两国人民根本利益。正如西藏朝圣之路需要攀登险峰、跨越沟 壑，中印关系的 ...

4月28日，外交部发言人郭嘉昆主持例行记者会。有记者提问，印度外交部近日发布公告称，印方将于 今年6月至8月组织印度香客赴中国西藏神山圣湖朝圣。这是否意味中方已同意恢复印度香客赴中国西藏 神山圣湖朝圣。请问发言人对此有何评论？郭嘉昆表示，印度香客赴中国西藏神山圣湖朝圣，是中印两 国人文交流的重要内容。位于中国西藏自治区的冈仁波齐峰和玛旁雍措湖，是包括藏传佛教和印度教在 内的多个宗教信众心目当中的神山圣湖。按照中印双方达成的共识，印度香客赴中国西藏神山圣湖朝圣 将于今年夏季恢复，目前双方正在推进有关准备工作。郭嘉昆表示，今年是中印两国建交75周年，中方 愿同印方共同努力，认真落实两国领导人达成的重要共识，推动中印关系沿着健康、稳定的轨道向前发 展。(澎湃) ...