India and China have initiated a series of people-centric measures to stabilize and rebuild their bilateral relationship, following an agreement made last October to ease tensions along their shared border. These developments come after Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s two-day visit to Beijing, which concluded on Monday.
Among the key initiatives is the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage of significant spiritual importance to Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers. The yatra, which had been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent border tensions, is set to recommence in the summer of 2025. The relevant mechanisms will discuss the modalities for doing so as per existing agreements.
In addition, both nations have agreed to restart direct air services, which were halted in 2020 amid the pandemic. This move is expected to enhance connectivity and facilitate easier travel for citizens of both countries.
The two sides have also agreed to hold an early meeting of the India-China Expert-Level Mechanism to discuss the resumption of the provision of hydrological data and other cooperation pertaining to trans-border rivers.
Furthermore, India and China have agreed to encourage and support people-to-people exchanges, particularly between media organizations and think tanks.
These measures reflect a mutual commitment to rebuilding trust and fostering cooperation between the two nations, aiming to strengthen diplomatic, cultural, and economic ties in the coming years.
