China and India have agreed to restart direct commercial flights “as soon as possible,” ending a five-year suspension caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and bilateral tensions, state news agency Xinhua reported on Wednesday.

The two countries also pledged to ease visa procedures for tourists, businesspeople, journalists, and other travelers, marking a further sign of warming ties.

The announcement came during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to New Delhi earlier this week, aimed at boosting cooperation after years of strained relations, particularly following deadly clashes along the disputed Himalayan border in 2020.

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit China at the end of August to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization summit, marking the first trip by an Indian premier to Beijing since 2018.