India's Cautious Stance on Resuming Direct Flights to China

India's decision to maintain restrictions on direct flights to China is a complex one,
rooted in a mix of geopolitical factors, security concerns, and economic considerations.

Geopolitical Tensions:

Border Disputes: The ongoing border tensions between India and China,
particularly the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, have significantly strained bilateral
relations.
Strategic Competition: India's increasing strategic alignment with the US and other
Quad nations has further complicated its relationship with China.

Security Concerns:

Intelligence Gathering: India's security agencies remain concerned about potential
Chinese intelligence activities, particularly in the context of increased travel
between the two countries.

Cybersecurity Threats: The rising threat of cyberattacks from state and non-state
actors has also affected India's decision.

Economic Considerations:

Reducing Dependence on China: India has been actively working to reduce its
economic dependence on China, diversifying its supply chains and promoting
domestic manufacturing.
Protecting Domestic Industries: Restricting travel could help protect domestic
industries from increased competition from Chinese goods.

While resuming direct flights to China could potentially boost trade and tourism,
India's cautious stance suggests that the potential security and strategic risks
outweigh these economic benefits. Given the complex geopolitical scenario, it's
uncertain whether India will ease its restrictions on direct flights.