India and China to Resume Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and Strengthen Bilateral Relations

Feature and Cover India and China to Resume Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and Strengthen Bilateral Relations

In a significant development aimed at improving bilateral ties, India and China have decided to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which had been suspended since 2020. The decision was announced following discussions between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a meeting in Beijing. Additionally, both nations agreed in principle to reinstate direct flights, signaling progress in restoring normal relations.

“In this context, the two sides decided to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the summer of 2025; the relevant mechanism will discuss the modalities for doing so as per existing agreements. They also agreed to hold an early meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism to discuss resumption of provision of hydrological data and other cooperation pertaining to trans-border rivers,” stated the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The discussions took place during a two-day visit by Vikram Misri to Beijing, as part of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism. This meeting follows agreements reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, in October. The leaders had underscored the need to stabilize and enhance bilateral relations, setting the tone for the recent talks.

Both nations have also committed to taking steps to foster people-to-people exchanges. This includes initiatives to encourage interaction between media representatives and think tanks from both countries.

“The two sides recognise that 2025, being the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China, should be utilised to redouble public diplomacy efforts to create better awareness about each other and restore mutual trust and confidence among the public. The two sides will conduct a number of commemorative activities to mark this anniversary,” the MEA’s statement elaborated.

The discussions also emphasized addressing the ongoing Line of Actual Control (LAC) dispute. Prior to the meeting, the MEA had highlighted its focus on the next steps in the resolution of bilateral issues, particularly those involving the LAC. Other topics on the agenda included the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the re-establishment of direct flights, and easing visa processes for Chinese nationals.

Economic and trade issues were also addressed during the talks, with both sides agreeing to gradually restart dialogue in these areas. The goal is to foster policy transparency and ensure long-term stability in their economic relationship.

This thaw in relations comes months after India and China completed disengagement at the Depsang and Demchok friction points in Ladakh, following years of tension in the region. The disengagement was finalized in October 2024, after which both sides agreed to resume weekly patrols. The first round of these patrols was conducted in November 2024.

With both nations gearing up for the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties in 2025, the decision to reinstate the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and facilitate better public diplomacy signals a shared commitment to rebuilding trust and cooperation. As both sides prepare for commemorative activities and discussions on long-term issues, these recent agreements represent a critical step forward in mending relations.

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