Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to resume after 4 years as India, China reach in-principle agreement

India has announced the strong possibility of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resuming soon, signaling a positive step in improving relations with China following a prolonged period of strained ties. Preparations for the pilgrimage are currently underway, according to the External Affairs Ministry. This development comes as both nations have been actively exploring avenues to mend their relationship after the disengagement of troops at the remaining friction points of Demchok and Depsang, formalized under an agreement last October. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has remained suspended since 2020.

In a further indication of thawing relations, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal revealed that India and China have reached an agreement in principle to resume flight services between the two countries. Jaiswal stated that the relevant modalities for the resumption of air travel are currently being worked out by technical teams from both sides. Civil aviation authorities from India and China have reportedly met to discuss the updated framework and other necessary arrangements for the flight operations to recommence.

The move to revive both the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flight services is a significant component of the broader efforts by India and China to repair the diplomatic damage caused by the over four-year military standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh. The Galwan Valley clashes in 2020 had severely impacted bilateral relations, making these people-to-people exchange initiatives crucial for rebuilding trust and fostering goodwill.

"We will soon issue a public notice on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and there is a possibility of resumption of the Yatra soon," affirmed External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, underscoring the government's optimism regarding the pilgrimage. He further added, "The Yatra will happen this year and we are making preparations. More information will be put out for the public soon," indicating that concrete details and schedules are expected to be released in the near future.

Regarding the resumption of air connectivity, Jaiswal emphasized the in-principle agreement, stating, "In principle, both countries have agreed that flight operations will resume." He elaborated on the ongoing technical discussions, noting that "The technical teams on both sides are looking into the technical arrangements for the flight services to resume. The two civil aviation authorities have met and are discussing the relevant modalities, including the updated framework."

These developments are a result of sustained diplomatic engagements between India and China. In the preceding month, both nations explored various means to rebuild their relationship, explicitly agreeing to initiate efforts that promote people-to-people exchanges, including the revival of direct flights and the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra within the current year. Furthermore, discussions in Beijing involved the potential resumption of dialogue mechanisms in a phased manner to address mutual concerns and steer relations towards greater stability and predictability.