"Indian Airlines Told 'Do Not Board Chinese Passengers'"

[Image source=AP Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] India, which is in conflict with China over border issues, has unofficially instructed its airlines not to carry Chinese passengers on flights entering the country, according to local reports.

On the 28th, the Indian daily Times of India confirmed that domestic airlines received such instructions from authorities over the past weekend.

In response, some airlines reportedly requested the authorities to provide the related instructions in writing, stating that they needed a basis for the boarding ban, the newspaper reported.

Currently, India has suspended international flights to most countries, including China, due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

However, domestic flights, repatriation flights for its citizens, special flights by individual countries, and bilateral flights with certain countries are allowed.

Bilateral flights are conducted under 'air bubble' agreements with countries such as the United States, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), and some European countries.

Accordingly, Chinese nationals can enter India via countries with which India has bilateral flight agreements.

Since October, the Indian government has restored the validity of most visas except for tourist and electronic visas, thereby somewhat opening its doors to foreign nationals.

The Times of India interpreted India's ban on Chinese nationals' entry as retaliation after China prohibited Indian nationals, including Indian seafarers, from entering China from early last month citing COVID-19 prevention measures.

The newspaper reported that "about 1,500 Indians aboard foreign merchant ships were affected by China's measures."

In India, anti-China sentiment has intensified since the 'baton clash' in the Galwan Valley border area in June, including a boycott of Chinese products.

The Indian government is also trying to block imports of Chinese products using various means such as non-tariff barriers.

In particular, the Indian government has banned over 260 Chinese smartphone applications, including the video platform TikTok, citing threats to sovereignty, defense, and public order.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.