In a significant step toward stabilizing bilateral relations, India and China have agreed to resume the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and initiate direct flight services between the two countries. The announcement came during Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to Beijing, where he met Liu Jianchao, Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China. The discussions focused on political, economic, and people-to-people ties and longstanding tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra—a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake in Tibet—is a key development following its suspension in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions after the Galwan clash. According to a statement from India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the pilgrimage will restart in the summer of 2025, with details to be finalized by a joint mechanism based on existing agreements.
Renewed Dialogue on Bilateral Issues
Foreign Secretary Misri’s visit included a meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism, a platform for discussing key bilateral issues. The talks reviewed progress on the agreement reached between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping during their October meeting in Kazan. Both sides emphasized the importance of people-centric initiatives to rebuild trust and stabilize relations.
Beyond the yatra, India and China also agreed to revive cooperation on trans-border rivers. An early meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism is planned to address the resumption of hydrological data sharing and other water-related cooperation. Given China’s position as an upper riparian state, any construction on rivers flowing into India requires careful coordination to mitigate potential disputes.
“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,” read an MEA readout.
Focus on People-to-People Exchanges
The two nations also committed to enhancing people-to-people exchanges, including media and think-tank interactions. According to the MEA, India and China have agreed in principle to resume direct air services, with technical authorities set to negotiate an updated framework shortly. This step is expected to facilitate greater connectivity and interaction between the two populations.
“They agreed in principle to resume direct air services between the two countries; the relevant technical authorities on the two sides will meet and negotiate an updated framework for this purpose at an early date,” read the statement from MEA.
Border Stability: A Precondition for Normalcy
India has consistently emphasized that normalized relations with China depend on peace and stability in border areas. Recent progress in disengagement at Demchok and Depsang has allowed Indian and Chinese troops to resume patrolling activities after a hiatus of nearly four and a half years. However, challenges remain, and both sides are expected to continue dialogue to address unresolved issues along the LAC.
“Meet Each Other Halfway”
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi underscored the need for India and China to “meet each other halfway” and work toward mutual understanding and support rather than being driven by suspicion. “China and India should seize the opportunity to explore substantive measures and commit to mutual achievement instead of alienation and mutual depletion,” Wang said, as noted by China’s Ambassador to India, Xu Feihong, in a post on X (formerly Twitter).
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with the visiting India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri on Monday in Beijing. Wang said China and India should seize the opportunity to meet each other halfway, explore more substantive measures, and commit themselves to mutual… pic.twitter.com/TMAlqbH23q
— Xu Feihong (@China_Amb_India) January 27, 2025
Moving Forward
The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and the decision to explore direct flights mark significant steps in rebuilding trust between the two nations. These measures reflect a shared acknowledgement at the leadership level that people-to-people ties can serve as a cornerstone for improving overall bilateral relations. However, sustained progress will depend on continued dialogue and concrete actions to address longstanding issues, particularly along the border.
Team BharatShakti
