India and China have announced plans to resume the iconic Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from this summer, marking a fresh start to their historic pilgrimage. Additionally, direct flights between Beijing and Delhi will be revived after being suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic, further enhancing connectivity between the two nations.
The announcement comes as India’s foreign secretary meets with his Chinese counterpart on ongoing bilateral relations, with both sides committing to “people-centric” measures to stabilize and rebuild ties. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, traditionally conducted annually via Lipulekh Pass or Nathu La Pass, has been a significant cultural and religious event for over four decades.
Further, the two countries agreed to hold an early meeting of their expert-level mechanism to address cooperation on hydrological data and trans-border river projects. China’s construction of a major dam upstream on the Brahmaputra River in Tibet has raised concerns from India, which emphasized the need for mutual understanding and support during the recent meetings.
Earlier this week, India’s foreign secretary met with Liu Jianchao, head of the Communist Party’s influential International Department, underscoring China’s role in shaping its foreign policy. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi expressed the importance of exploring substantive measures for tie-building rather than focusing on past conflicts, while Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong highlighted mutual support as a foundation for progress.
Post a military clash along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in 2020, India and China worked toward reducing tensions through dialogue. Their relations have been improved since high-level meetings, including the successful PM Modi-Chinese President Xi Jinping meeting in Russia earlier this year.
Source: https://www.tribuneindia.com/news/india/india-china-resolve-to-resume-mansarovar-yatra-direct-flights