BRICS Summit 2026: Chinese Airline Resumes Guangzhou-New Delhi Flights Ahead of Modi-Xi Meeting

China Southern Airlines is set to resume direct flights between Guangzhou and New Delhi from September 21, marking a significant development in air connectivity between India and China ahead of Chinese President Xi Jinpings meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the BRICS Summit in New Delhi. The direct flight service between the two cities had remained suspended for nearly six years after air connectivity between India and China was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic. The planned resumption comes at a time when relations between the two countries are showing signs of a cautious improvement following several years of diplomatic and military tensions.

Xi Jinping is in New Delhi to attend the BRICS Summit, with his meeting with Prime Minister Modi emerging as one of the most closely watched engagements during the gathering. The talks are expected to focus on the overall India-China relationship, including efforts to maintain peace along the border, strengthen economic engagement and improve people-to-people ties.

The return of the Guangzhou-New Delhi route is significant because direct air links have been one of the areas affected by the deterioration in bilateral relations. The restoration of flights could make travel easier for business executives, students, tourists and other passengers travelling between the two countries. Guangzhou is a major commercial and manufacturing centre in southern China, while New Delhi is Indias political and diplomatic hub. A direct connection between the two cities could therefore support greater movement of people and potentially contribute to increased commercial exchanges.

The development comes against the backdrop of renewed diplomatic engagement between New Delhi and Beijing. India and China have taken steps in recent years to reduce tensions that escalated following the 2020 border crisis. Although differences remain, both sides have continued discussions aimed at maintaining stability along the Line of Actual Control.

The Modi-Xi meeting is expected to provide a fresh indication of the direction of bilateral relations. Border stability remains an important issue for India, while economic ties, trade and connectivity are also expected to remain part of the broader conversation between the two countries. India and China continue to have extensive economic links despite political and security differences. China is a major source of imports for India, while Indian businesses remain interested in greater access to Chinese markets and supply chains. At the same time, New Delhi continues to examine Chinese investments and technology-related activities from a national security perspective.

The resumption of direct flights is being viewed as a practical development that could help rebuild some of the connectivity lost over the past several years. It does not, however, signal that all outstanding issues between the two countries have been resolved. The BRICS Summit provides an important diplomatic setting for the two leaders to discuss their relationship alongside wider global issues. With representatives of major emerging economies gathering in New Delhi, Indias engagement with China is expected to attract considerable attention. The announcement by China Southern Airlines and the scheduled Modi-Xi meeting have placed India-China relations firmly in focus. The outcome of the talks could determine whether the recent improvement in ties develops into a broader and more sustained reopening between the two countries.

Disclaimer: This image is taken from Hindustan Times.