China Rejects India's Request for Alternative Air Route Through Xinjiang

China has refused to allow India to use its airspace through Xinjiang as an alternative route, while making it clear that Beijing is ready to play a role in resolving the airspace issue between Pakistan and India through mutual dialogue.

Pakistan has also conveyed to India that if New Delhi wants to resume the use of Pakistani airspace, it must first withdraw its unilateral suspension of the Indus Waters Treaty. Islamabad maintains that India cannot claim normal relations with Pakistan while keeping the treaty in abeyance.

China’s refusal to provide an alternative air corridor through Xinjiang, coupled with Pakistan’s stated condition for restoring airspace access, has made it increasingly difficult for India to find an alternative route to Pakistani airspace.

The developments have added another complication for India as it seeks alternative air corridors for flights to Europe and North America amid the continuing restrictions on the use of Pakistani airspace.