Desk: After more than four years of ongoing border standoff between India and China, a significant step towards normalizing bilateral relations is now taking shape. A near-final agreement has reportedly been reached between the two countries to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage that had been suspended since 2020. Last October, the two sides had agreed to disengage troops at the remaining friction points, including Demchok and Depsang, which set the stage for a broader diplomatic thaw. This was followed by a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, where both leaders agreed to revive multiple bilateral mechanisms to resolve the border issues and improve overall ties.
Agreement on Kailash Yatra
As part of this process, a meeting was held in Beijing in December 2023, where discussions were held on various issues including the deployment of special representatives for the border dispute, sharing of hydrological data of cross-border rivers, resumption of border trade, and the reopening of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. According to sources, both countries are now nearly in agreement to resume the pilgrimage. However, this year’s Yatra may start slightly later than usual and could extend for a longer duration, as China reportedly needs time to refurbish facilities that have not been used for nearly five years.
Pilgrimage Halted Since 2020
The Yatra was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Traditionally, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs organizes the Yatra between June and September via two routes—Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La in Sikkim. The pilgrimage site is held sacred by Hindu, Jain, and Buddhist communities.
Sign of Improving Ties
If the Yatra resumes this year, it would mark a major positive step toward restoring normalcy in India-China relations. Ties had reached a historic low following the violent clash in Galwan Valley in June 2020, which resulted in the death of 20 Indian soldiers and at least four Chinese troops.
Now, China has expressed interest in restoring direct flights with India, easing visa rules for Chinese nationals, and increasing media presence in each other’s countries. Currently, there is only one Indian journalist in Beijing, while no Chinese state media personnel are stationed in New Delhi.
Diplomatic Statements
At a recent event marking 75 years of India-China diplomatic ties, Chinese Ambassador Xu Feihong stated that the two nations should resolve differences through dialogue and not let the border issue define the overall relationship. On the Indian side, Foreign Secretary Vinay Kwatra emphasized that peace and stability in border areas are essential for the development of bilateral ties. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also noted that while relations are now moving in a positive direction, there is still work to be done before full normalization is achieved.