A Step Towards Rekindled Ties: India and China Will Resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2025
The decision by China and India to revive the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the summer of 2025 is an attempt to mend damaged relations. A milestone in the process of repairing bilateral relations following the protracted conflict along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) was reached when the statement was made during a series of high-level diplomatic discussions in Beijing.
Background: A Journey Interrupted
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon believers, was interrupted in 2020 by the COVID-19 pandemic and the rising border tensions. The pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet is a deeply spiritual journey, representing a search for enlightenment and peace of mind.
Diplomatic Breakthrough
After discussions between Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, the decision was made to resume the Yatra. Both countries underscored the need for people-oriented measures to stabilize and strengthen bilateral relations. Resuming the trip is seen to be a show of friendship and a shared desire to put their past mistakes behind them.
Beyond the Pilgrimage: Broadening Cooperation
Around the same time while the Yatra, China and India sign the first-ever agreement to resume direct flights. The move is set to increase connectivity and strengthen people-to-people relations. It is expected to have a beneficial effect on bilateral trade, cultural exchange, & tourism. Additionally, to be a part of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism, both countries have agreed to hold meetings at the earliest convenient to deliberate on the restarting of hydrological data sharing and cooperation on transboundary rivers. The cooperation is crucial for sound management of common water resources.
Commemorating 75 Years of Diplomatic Relations
India and China will have maintained diplomatic ties for 75 years in 2025. With an emphasis on understanding one another and getting back to faith between their citizens, the two countries hope to use this milestone to step up their public diplomacy efforts. In observance of this important certain function, many memorial events are planned, including media and think-tank engagements.
Context: From Conflict to Cooperation
The decision to resume the Yatra comes after a number of steps to restore faith following the conflict in the Galwan Valley in 2020, which left both sides with fatalities and severely damaged relations. The groundwork for renewed communication and collaboration has been laid by later disengagement agreements, like the removal of soldiers from hotspots like Depsang and Demchok.