India and China Agree to Resume Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

New Delhi: In a bid to stabilize and rebuild bilateral ties, India and China have agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, beginning in the summer of 2025. The decision was made during a meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism, where Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, currently on a two-day visit to China, discussed people-centric steps to enhance relations.

The two sides will work on the modalities for the Yatra as per existing agreements, with relevant mechanisms to be put in place. Additionally, India and China agreed to hold an early meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism to discuss the resumption of hydrological data sharing and other cooperation concerning trans-border rivers.

Both nations also agreed to promote people-to-people exchanges, including media and think-tank interactions. Furthermore, they reached an in-principle agreement to resume direct air services between India and China, with technical authorities from both sides set to negotiate an updated framework.

The two countries also acknowledged the significance of 2025, marking the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between India and China. Both sides plan to undertake various public diplomacy efforts and commemorative activities to strengthen mutual trust and awareness.

Discussions also covered economic and trade concerns, focusing on resolving issues and ensuring long-term policy transparency. During his visit, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with several Chinese officials, including members of the Politburo of the Communist Party of China and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.