In a significant milestone for bilateral relations, the first direct commercial flight between India and China in over five years landed in Guangzhou on Monday. The IndiGo flight, originating from Kolkata, marked the official resumption of nonstop air links that had been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent geopolitical tensions. This development comes as the two Asian giants cautiously rebuild their strained relationship, which had been further exacerbated by a deadly border clash in the Himalayas in 2020. Passengers on the flight, many of whom were Indian business professionals, expressed relief and optimism about the renewed connectivity. Rashika Mintri, a 44-year-old interior designer from Kolkata, described the journey as ‘smooth and lovable,’ adding that she would ‘come again and again.’ The resumption of flights is seen as a ‘first step’ in normalizing bilateral exchanges, according to India’s government. The move also comes at a time when India’s ties with the U.S. are faltering, following Washington’s imposition of punitive tariffs and accusations of India fueling Russia’s war in Ukraine. While the two nations remain strategic rivals, recent gestures, such as the exchange of sweets during the Hindu festival of Diwali, suggest a gradual easing of tensions. However, experts caution that managing an increasingly assertive China remains a long-term challenge for India.