India and China have agreed in principle to restart direct flights between the two nations, nearly five years after the Covid-19 pandemic and political tensions led to a suspension of services.

The announcement, made on Monday at the conclusion of a visit to Beijing by India’s top diplomat, marks a significant step towards improving relations between the world’s two most populous countries.

Indian Foreign Ministry Secretary Vikram Misri’s trip to Beijing represents one of the highest-level official visits since the deadly border clash in the Himalayas in 2020, which strained diplomatic ties.

According to a statement from India’s Foreign Ministry, the visit resulted in an agreement “in principle” to resume direct air services. It added that technical teams from both countries would meet soon to negotiate and finalize the necessary framework.

The statement also confirmed China’s agreement to allow the resumption of a Hindu pilgrimage to a sacred shrine dedicated to Lord Krishna, which had been halted since 2020.

Both nations expressed their commitment to enhancing diplomatic efforts, rebuilding trust, and resolving ongoing trade and economic issues.

Before the pandemic, approximately 500 direct flights connected India and China monthly, as reported by Indian media outlet Moneycontrol.

While China’s Foreign Ministry did not specifically mention the flight agreement, it emphasized ongoing efforts to strengthen ties. “Improving China-India relations aligns with the fundamental interests of both countries,” read the Chinese statement.

India and China, often seen as strategic rivals, compete for influence in South Asia.

Direct flights between the two countries ceased in early 2020 due to the pandemic. Although services to Hong Kong resumed as the global health crisis waned, flights to mainland China remained suspended following the 2020 border clash that claimed the lives of 20 Indian and four Chinese soldiers.

The fallout prompted India to impose restrictions on Chinese businesses, banning hundreds of apps, including TikTok, and curbing Chinese investments in critical sectors.

Tensions have since eased, with a significant agreement last October for military disengagement at a contentious border area. This preceded a rare formal meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, their first in five years.

Misri’s visit to Beijing follows a recent diplomatic mission by India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, a close ally of Modi, signaling a concerted effort to mend ties.