India, China agree on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumption

India and China have agreed on a slew of measures during the meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism to stabilize and rebuild bilateral ties. The new understandings include the resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the restoration of direct flights between the two countries and the sharing of trans-border river data among others. Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri, who was on a two-day visit to China, attended the meeting.

The External Affairs Ministry said in a statement, that the relevant mechanism will discuss the modalities for resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra as per existing agreements. The two sides 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.

They also agreed to take appropriate measures to further promote and facilitate people-to-people exchanges, including media and think-tank interactions. They agreed



in principle to resume direct air services between the two countries.

The two sides recognize that 2025, being the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China, should be utilized to redouble public diplomacy efforts to create better awareness about each other and restore mutual trust and confidence among the public. They will conduct a number of commemorative activities to mark this anniversary.

Specific concerns in the economic and trade areas were discussed to resolve these issues and promote long-term policy transparency and predictability.

During his visit, the Foreign Secretary also called on Members of the Politburo of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, Director of the Office of Central Commission of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, and Minister of the International Department of the Communist Party of China, Liu Jianchao.