Kailash Manasarovar Yatra resumes after four years as India-China strengthen ties

In a significant step toward improving bilateral ties, India and China have agreed to resume the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and establish direct flights between the two nations. The decision was made during high-level talks held to strengthen cultural and diplomatic relations. The agreement also includes sharing hydrological data for transboundary rivers, an issue critical to India’s water security.
 

Kailash Manasarovar Yatra resumes after four years as India-China strengthen ties


The Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, a sacred pilgrimage for Hindus, Buddhists, Jains, and Bon followers, was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened border tensions. With this agreement, pilgrims will once again be able to undertake the journey to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar, located in Tibet. The revival of this pilgrimage is seen as a step toward rebuilding cultural ties between the two nations.

To further ease travel for pilgrims and boost people-to-people exchanges, India and China have agreed to establish direct flights between major cities. This will also facilitate business and tourism, potentially opening new avenues for economic cooperation.

Recognizing the importance of transboundary rivers for India’s northeastern states, China has agreed to resume the sharing of hydrological data, particularly for rivers like the Brahmaputra. This data is crucial for flood management and water resource planning, especially during the monsoon season.

The agreements mark a positive shift in India-China relations, which have been strained since the 2020 Galwan Valley clash. Experts view these developments as a confidence-building measure, though challenges like border disputes remain unresolved.

While these agreements signify progress, both nations must continue dialogues to address contentious issues. The resumption of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra and enhanced cooperation on river data reflect the potential for collaboration even amid broader differences.

 

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