India and China have jointly decided to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which was suspended in 2020. The decision came after a meeting between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. The yatra is a significant pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains and had been halted due to strained relations and the pandemic. Both sides have agreed to work out the modalities for its resumption through the existing bilateral mechanisms.
Additionally, the countries have also agreed to resume direct flights, which will help promote greater connectivity and ease travel for citizens on both sides. These decisions mark a positive development in rebuilding trust and fostering people-to-people ties.
Renewed Cooperation on Rivers and Economic Priorities
During the discussions, India and China also agreed to hold an early meeting of the Expert Level Mechanism to resume sharing hydrological data and enhance cooperation on trans-border rivers. This step is vital for addressing mutual concerns related to water management and environmental sustainability.
Specific concerns in trade and economic relations were also discussed, with both countries aiming to resolve long-standing issues. The focus remains on improving policy transparency and predictability to encourage long-term cooperation. These measures reflect efforts to rebuild a stable economic partnership between the two nations.
Bilateral Engagement: A Step-by-Step Approach
India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s two-day visit to Beijing is part of the broader initiative to resume diplomatic mechanisms at various levels. The discussions focused on addressing priority areas and mutual concerns in political, economic, and cultural domains.
India has consistently emphasized the need for peace along the border areas as a prerequisite for normalizing relations with China. Following the recent disengagement in Demchok and Depsang, patrolling activities have resumed in these areas after a four-and-a-half-year gap, reflecting progress in restoring trust.
This renewed engagement signals cautious optimism for rebuilding ties, with both countries aiming to resolve lingering issues and promote collaboration in multiple sectors.
