In a significant development, India and China have agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus, and direct flights between the two countries. The decision was made during a two-day foreign secretary-level talk in Beijing, where Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri met with Chinese officials.
Resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which has been suspended since the Covid-19 outbreak in 2020, is expected to resume in the summer of 2025. The relevant mechanism will discuss the modalities for the pilgrimage as per existing agreements. This development is a significant step forward in promoting people-to-people exchanges and strengthening bilateral ties between India and China.
In-Principle Approval for Direct Flights
In addition to resuming the yatra, India and China have also given an in-principle nod to resume direct flights between the two countries. The relevant technical authorities will meet to negotiate an updated framework for direct air services. This move is expected to boost trade, tourism, and cultural exchanges between the two nations.
A Positive Step in India-China Relations
The agreement to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights is seen as a positive step in stabilizing and rebuilding ties between India and China. The two countries have agreed to take people-centric steps to promote bilateral relations, including facilitating people-to-people exchanges and media interactions.
Background
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus, who believe that Lord Shiva resides on Mount Kailash. The yatra, which takes place every year, involves a trek to Mount Kailash and a visit to Lake Mansarovar. The suspension of the yatra due to the Covid-19 pandemic had caused disappointment among devotees.
Implications
The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights between India and China is expected to have significant implications for bilateral relations, trade, and tourism. The move is likely to boost people-to-people exchanges, cultural exchanges, and economic cooperation between the two nations.
Conclusion
The agreement to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights between India and China is a welcome development that is expected to strengthen bilateral ties and promote people-to-people exchanges. The move is a positive step forward in rebuilding trust and cooperation between the two nations.
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