In a significant move towards the normalization of bilateral relations, India’s largest budget airline, IndiGo, announced the resumption of direct flights between Kolkata and Guangzhou starting October 26. This development comes as part of broader efforts to rebuild ties between India and China, which have been strained since the deadly border clashes in 2020. The Indian foreign ministry emphasized that the reinstatement of direct flights would enhance people-to-people contact and contribute to the gradual normalization of bilateral exchanges. The two nations share a contentious 3,440-kilometer border, with overlapping territorial claims that have historically fueled tensions. The 2020 Galwan Valley clash, which resulted in the deaths of at least 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers, marked the first fatal confrontation since 1975 and led to a freeze in diplomatic relations. However, over the past year, both countries have engaged in high-level talks and implemented measures to de-escalate border tensions. These include patrolling arrangements along the disputed Himalayan border and the resumption of visa services for Chinese tourists by India. Additionally, China has permitted Indian pilgrims to visit religious sites in the Tibet Autonomous Region. The warming of India-China relations has also been influenced by India’s strained ties with the U.S. under former President Donald Trump’s tariff policies. In August, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited Delhi, advocating for a partnership rather than rivalry between the two nations. Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit further underscored the commitment to normalizing relations. The resumption of direct flights symbolizes a tangible step towards rebuilding trust and fostering cooperation between the two Asian giants.