In a landmark development, India and Pakistan have agreed to extend the validity of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor Agreement for another five years, continuing the historic access for Indian pilgrims to the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. The agreement, initially signed on 24 October 2019, facilitates visa-free travel for Sikh pilgrims to the holy site.
Uninterrupted Access to Kartarpur Sahib for Pilgrims
The extension of this agreement ensures uninterrupted operation of the Kartarpur Corridor, which allows Indian pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Narowal, Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that this extension will maintain the continued flow of visitors to the sacred shrine, a significant spiritual and cultural landmark for the Sikh community.
India Pushes for Removal of Pilgrim Fees
While celebrating the extension of the agreement, India has once again urged Pakistan to reconsider the USD 20 service charge levied on each pilgrim. Indian authorities, reflecting the sentiments of pilgrims, have requested Pakistan to remove this fee to make the pilgrimage more accessible to all devotees.
Diplomatic Success After EAM Jaishankar’s Visit to Islamabad
The agreement extension comes just a week after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Islamabad for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. The renewed cooperation between the two countries marks a positive diplomatic step forward, despite ongoing tensions in other areas.
Significance of the Kartarpur Corridor
The Kartarpur Corridor holds immense historical significance as Sri Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, spent over 18 years of his life at the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib. The 2019 agreement between India and Pakistan to operationalize this corridor was hailed as a breakthrough, allowing visa-free travel for Indian pilgrims, including Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders.
Under the agreement, 5,000 pilgrims are allowed to visit the shrine daily, and this capacity can be expanded during special occasions. The corridor remains operational throughout the year, offering pilgrims the flexibility to visit individually or in groups.
Future Developments: Maharaja Ranjit Singh’s Statue at Kartarpur Sahib
Adding to the cultural significance of the site, Pakistan is set to install a restored statue of Maharaja Ranjit Singh at Kartarpur Sahib, further enriching the historical and religious experience for visitors.
The extension of the Kartarpur Corridor Agreement marks a crucial moment in India-Pakistan diplomacy, fostering continued access to one of Sikhism’s most sacred sites.
