【文/观察者网 张菁娟】中印边境地区仍处隆冬，但两国关系已悄悄回暖。 印度经济学家、新德里观察家研究基金会高级研究员夏尔马（Mihir Sharma）28日在彭博社发文称，中 印不仅恢复了外交互访、重启了军方会晤，最重要的是，印度已开始重新评估中国作为经济伙伴的角 色。而这一转变背后，是印度认清了现实。 文章写道，印度曾是全球对中国投资和贸易最为警惕的国家。2020年中印边境冲突后，印度限制中企竞 标印度政府项目，要求其必须在印度政府部门登记，通过安全和政治审核。这一措施不仅导致中企在印 中标合同金额大幅缩水，更造成印度国内相关物资短缺、大批工程项目进度滞后。 如今，这些针对中企的限制措施正迎来松绑，中印间的资本跨境流动也有望逐步恢复。 彭博社本月初援引两名印度政府消息人士的话报道称，印度财政部计划取消已实施5年的中企参与政府 合同项目竞标限制，相关决策的最终决定权在印度总理办公室。 "在这个由国有部门主导大量投资活动的国家，这绝非小事。"夏尔马表示，印度已清晰认识到自身丧失 了多项战略优势。印度官员与企业界形成普遍共识：脱离中国的零部件、资本与技术，印度经济永远难 以具备全球竞争力。 据报道，印度信实公司曾 ...

人民财讯1月26日电，商务部消息，1月20日下午，商务部副部长鄢东在京会见印度驻华大使罗国栋，双 方就深化中印经贸合作等交换意见。 ...

Core Viewpoint - The resumption of direct flights between mainland China and India marks a significant step in enhancing bilateral relations and facilitating trade and travel between the two nations, benefiting over 2.8 billion people [3][10]. Summary by Sections Resumption of Direct Flights - The first direct flight, operated by Indigo Airlines, landed in Guangzhou on October 27, 2025, after a five-year hiatus, significantly reducing travel time for passengers who previously had to transit through other countries [3][6]. - The Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced the consensus to restore direct flights, which was confirmed by Chinese officials, highlighting the importance of this development in improving Sino-Indian relations [6][10]. Economic Impact - The restoration of direct flights is welcomed by the Indian business community, as it is expected to enhance trade activities and reduce logistics and transit times [7][10]. - Prior to the pandemic, there were over 500 direct flights monthly between China and India, indicating a robust travel and trade relationship that was disrupted by COVID-19 [9]. Airline Operations - Indigo Airlines, the largest airline in India with over 60% market share in domestic routes, has announced the launch of direct flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou, with plans for additional routes [6][9]. - China Eastern Airlines is also set to resume flights between Shanghai and Delhi, increasing the number of direct routes between the two countries to three [9]. Trade Relations - China has maintained its position as India's largest trading partner, with bilateral trade reaching $138.478 billion in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 1.7% [10].

Core Points - The resumption of direct flights between mainland China and India marks a significant development after a five-year hiatus, enhancing travel convenience for over 2.8 billion people in both countries [1][5] - Indigo Airlines, the largest airline in India by market share, is the first to operate the resumed flights, significantly reducing travel time compared to previous routes that required layovers [1][2] - The Indian business community has welcomed the restoration of direct flights, anticipating benefits for trade and commerce, particularly with the ongoing China Import and Export Fair [3] Summary by Sections Resumption of Direct Flights - The Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced on October 2 that a consensus had been reached to restore direct flights by the winter schedule of 2025, with Indigo Airlines confirming the launch of flights from Kolkata to Guangzhou starting October 26, 2025 [2] - Indigo Airlines, established in 2006, holds over 60% of the domestic market share in India and operates a fleet of over 400 aircraft, connecting more than 90 domestic and 40 international destinations [2] Benefits for Trade and Commerce - The direct flight route is expected to reduce logistics and transit times, benefiting trade activities, especially for Indian merchants attending the China Import and Export Fair [3] - Prior to the pandemic, there were over 500 direct flights monthly between China and India, which were suspended in March 2020 due to COVID-19 [4] Historical Context and Future Developments - Following the pandemic, the restoration of direct flights has been a gradual process, with significant diplomatic discussions leading to the current agreement [4] - Additional routes are being planned, including a second direct flight from Delhi to Guangzhou starting November 10, 2025, and China Eastern Airlines is set to resume flights from Shanghai to Delhi on November 9, 2025 [4] Economic Impact - The gradual restoration of travel and visa applications is expected to further enhance Sino-Indian economic relations, with China maintaining its position as India's largest trading partner [5] - The bilateral trade volume for 2024 is projected to reach $138.478 billion, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 1.7% [5]

Group 1: Restoration of Direct Flights - The direct flight between Kolkata, India, and Guangzhou, China, has resumed after a five-year hiatus, significantly reducing travel time to just over three hours [1][3] - Indigo Airlines, the largest airline in India by market share, operates the inaugural flight, marking a positive step in improving India-China relations [1][3] - The restoration of direct flights is seen as a response to the economic benefits experienced by Indian businesses in their trade with China [1][4] Group 2: Economic Implications - The direct flight will enhance trade activities by reducing logistics and transit times, benefiting commercial exchanges [4] - Prior to the pandemic, there were over 500 direct flights monthly between India and China, indicating a strong pre-existing travel and trade relationship [5] - The resumption of direct flights is expected to further boost India-China economic cooperation, with China remaining India's largest trading partner [6] Group 3: Future Developments - Indigo Airlines plans to launch a second direct route from Delhi to Guangzhou starting November 10, 2025, indicating a rapid expansion of connectivity [5] - China Eastern Airlines will also begin flights from Shanghai to Delhi, increasing the number of direct routes between the two countries to three [5] - The Indian government has resumed accepting tourist visa applications from Chinese citizens, which is anticipated to further enhance bilateral exchanges [5]

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]

Group 1: Visa Policies - India is planning to ease business visa restrictions for Chinese citizens to enhance economic interactions between the two countries [1][2] - The complexity of obtaining Indian business visas has increased significantly since the pandemic, with many Chinese executives unable to travel to India for business [2][3] - The easing of visa restrictions aims to support Chinese companies operating in India and facilitate cooperation with Indian firms [2] Group 2: Direct Flights and Economic Relations - China and India have reached an agreement to restore direct flights, which have been suspended since 2020, to facilitate travel and cooperation [4] - Prior to the suspension, direct flights operated regularly between major cities in both countries, enhancing trade and tourism [4] - The bilateral trade volume between China and India is projected to reach $138.478 billion in 2024, reflecting a year-on-year growth of 1.7% [4] Group 3: Complementary Industries - The industrial structures of China and India are complementary, with India excelling in information technology and pharmaceuticals, while China leads in electronic manufacturing and emerging industries [5] - China is the largest source of electronic manufacturing components for India, accounting for 50%-65% of the components used in the industry [5]

Group 1 - The Indian government announced that starting from July 24, 2025, Chinese citizens can apply for tourist visas to visit India, which is seen as a positive step for tourism and economic exchanges between the two countries [1][7] - Following the announcement, there was a noticeable increase in inquiries about travel to India from Chinese tourists, indicating a growing interest in exploring the country [2][3] - The tourism industry in India is preparing for the return of Chinese tourists, although there are concerns about the adequacy of infrastructure and service standards to meet the expectations of these travelers [4][5] Group 2 - The Indian tourism sector has seen a steady increase in Chinese visitors over the years, with numbers rising from approximately 140,000 in 2011 to 340,000 in 2019 before the pandemic disrupted this trend [3] - The reopening of tourist visas is expected to not only boost tourism but also facilitate deeper cooperation in trade, technology, and education between India and China [7][10] - There are challenges regarding the application process for Indian tourist visas, which includes requirements such as a bank statement showing a minimum balance of 100,000 RMB for six months [8][9]

Core Viewpoint - The interview with Ambassador Xu Feihong highlights the importance of enhancing economic cooperation between China and India, despite existing trade disputes and restrictions on foreign direct investment [1] Economic Cooperation - Ambassador Xu emphasizes the need for both countries to adopt measures that facilitate trade, suggesting that India should reduce restrictions and increase supportive policies for economic collaboration [1] - The historical context of the relationship is noted, with reference to a bilateral meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and Indian Prime Minister Modi during the BRICS summit in October, which aimed to set a positive direction for future cooperation [1] Trade Disputes - The interview addresses specific trade tensions, including India's restrictions on foreign direct investment and legal actions against Chinese companies, as well as China's limitations on the export of key minerals and fertilizers [1] - The ambassador expresses hope for resolving these disputes through mutual understanding and cooperation, focusing on the shared goal of development for both nations [1]