Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Set to Resume After India-China Agreement
New Delhi, Jan 28: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a revered pilgrimage to Tibet's Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake, is set to resume after being suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. India and China have also agreed to restart flight services between the two nations. The decisions were finalized during two days of high-level talks led by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Beijing.
This development comes as part of efforts to stabilize bilateral relations following a meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, last October. Both leaders emphasized the need to enhance dialogue and cooperation to restore trust and reduce tensions.
The yatra, cherished by Hindu, Buddhist, and Jain devotees, has remained suspended not only due to the pandemic but also because of geopolitical strains between the two countries. With this new agreement, officials from both nations are expected to meet soon to work out the logistical and safety framework for resuming the pilgrimage.
The reopening of the yatra and resumption of flights mark a significant step toward improving ties between India and China, signaling a mutual willingness to collaborate on cultural and people-centric initiatives despite past challenges. Further announcements on dates and detailed arrangements for the yatra are anticipated in the coming weeks.