India and China to Resume Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and Direct Flights in 2025

India and China have announced the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, along with the reinstatement of direct flights in 2025. This joint announcement, made on Monday, signals a step towards normalizing relations following the recent disengagement process in eastern Ladakh.

The decision was reached after discussions between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong. During their talks, they addressed a range of bilateral issues. Additionally, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs highlighted plans to resume sharing hydrological data and discuss cooperation on transborder rivers, with a meeting of Indian and Chinese experts planned.

Further discussions included a meeting with Wang Yi, China's Foreign Minister, and Liu Jianchao of the Communist Party's International Department. These talks emphasized introducing people-focused policies to stabilize relationships.

Specific agreements included restarting the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the summer of 2025 and reinstating direct air connectivity. These efforts are part of broader initiatives to reinforce public diplomacy and restore mutual trust, especially as 2025 marks the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the two nations.

Past conversations, such as those between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping, focused on resolving border disputes and promoting positive cross-border cooperation. These diplomatic efforts are expected to promote transparency and predictability in economic and trade relations, addressing longstanding issues and enhancing partnership.