India and China are in an “advanced stage” of negotiations to restore direct flight services, with a possible announcement soon, PTI reported on Tuesday. The talks come ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s likely visit to Tianjin later this month for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. This would be his first trip to China since 2018.

Air connectivity between the two nations has been suspended since 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic and the eastern Ladakh border standoff. Officials said both sides are also moving to reopen trade through four border transit points. Negotiators are exploring a new air services agreement, but if that is delayed, flights may resume under the existing framework. Air India has reportedly been informed about the possible restart.

The push to restore flights is part of broader efforts to repair ties strained by the 2020 Galwan Valley clashes, which severely damaged relations. Last month, India resumed issuing tourist visas to Chinese nationals.

Modi is expected to visit Japan on August 29 before heading to Tianjin for the SCO summit on August 31–September 1, although there is no official confirmation of the two-nation tour.

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