India and China have been working towards improving their relations. The two powerful Asian nations are moving beyond past disputes and making a fresh start, which is now visible on the ground. The border disputes along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) have been resolved, and troops from both sides have disengaged. A significant development is the reopening of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, marking a key milestone in India-China relations.
Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to Resume
India and China announced on Monday that the pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar would restart this summer. Both countries have also agreed to resume direct flights, which had been suspended since 2020.
Why Was the Yatra Suspended?
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra was halted in 2020 after clashes between Indian and Chinese troops near the Galwan Valley and Pangong Lake in eastern Ladakh. The tension led to increased troop deployments along the LAC, and direct flights between the two countries were also suspended. Now, after five years, the yatra is set to resume, signaling a return to normal relations.
How Did Relations Improve?
The improvement in India-China relations was achieved through continuous diplomatic talks despite the 2020 tensions. One key event that helped ease tensions was a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping in Kazan, Russia, during the BRICS summit. The leaders talked for about an hour and agreed on restoring peace at the border and resuming the pilgrimage.
The Impact of the Meeting
Following the meeting, diplomatic channels became more active. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs acknowledged that the discussion between Modi and Xi played a significant role in restarting the pilgrimage and resuming direct flights. Later, Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing to discuss improving ties further.
Ajit Doval’s Visit to China
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval also visited Beijing after the Modi-Xi meeting. He held discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi about the border issue and troop withdrawal. These diplomatic efforts have contributed to the current improvement in India-China relations.
Stronger Trade Relations
The diplomatic efforts have also positively impacted trade between the two countries. China has now become India’s largest trading partner, surpassing the United States. These developments clearly indicate that India and China are moving towards normal and stronger relations.