In a move signaling a thaw in India-China relations, the two countries have agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a spiritual pilgrimage suspended since 2020. The decision emerged from discussions between Indian foreign secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi in Beijing. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that a relevant mechanism would finalize the Yatra's modalities under existing agreements. In addition, both sides agreed to hold an early meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism to resume hydrological data-sharing and strengthen collaboration on trans-border rivers.
Renewed Engagement
The meeting addressed people-to-people connections, with both nations agreeing in principle to reinstate direct flights and promote interactions between media and think tanks. "The two sides took stock of functional exchanges and agreed to utilize these mechanisms to address priority areas of interest and concern," the MEA stated. Discussions on economic and trade concerns aimed to enhance long-term policy transparency.
Border Peace as a Priority
India has maintained that peace in border areas is crucial for normalizing relations with China. The disengagement process in Demchok and Depsang has recently been completed, and patrolling activities have resumed after a four-and-a-half-year hiatus.
Foreign secretary Vikram Misri’s two-day visit represents a continuation of leadership-level agreements to address political, economic, and cultural dimensions of India-China relations.
With incremental progress in resolving issues along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra marks a significant milestone in rebuilding trust between the two nations.
