India and China have reached an agreement to restart the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-china-talks-kailash-mansarovar-yatra-to-start-from-summer-of-2025-8659012">Kailash Mansarovar Yatra</a>, which has been suspended since 2020, as per a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday (Jan 27). This decision came after discussions between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Foreign Secretary Misri was on a two-day visit to Beijing from January 26 to 27, 2025, to review bilateral relations.
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"In this context, the two sides decided to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the summer of 2025; the relevant mechanism will discuss the modalities for doing so as per existing agreements," the MEA statement said.
&ldquo;The relevant mechanism will discuss the modalities for doing so as per existing agreements. They also agreed to hold an early meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism to discuss resumption of provision of hydrological data and other cooperation pertaining to trans-border rivers,&rdquo; a statement by MEA said.
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The two nations also expressed their willingness to restart direct flights and to encourage closer people-to-people interactions, particularly among media professionals and think tanks.
&ldquo;The two sides took stock of the extant mechanisms for functional exchanges. It was agreed to resume these dialogues step by step and to utilise them to address each other&rsquo;s priority areas of interest and concern,&rdquo; the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/freedom-of-speech-cannot-be-selective-india-on-violent-protests-against-emergency-film-screening-in-uk-8651514">MEA</a> added.
<h2>75 years of India-China diplomacy</h2>
The MEA statement added that the two sides will complete 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations in 2025.&nbsp;
This milestone should be used to strengthen public diplomacy, improve understanding, and rebuild trust between the two nations. Both sides will organise various events to celebrate the anniversary, the MEA added.
(With inputs from agencies)

India News: India and China have reached an agreement to restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which has been suspended since 2020, as per a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday (Jan 27). 

India and China have reached an agreement to restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, which has been suspended since 2020, as per a statement from the Ministry of External Affairs on Monday (Jan 27). This decision came after discussions between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Foreign Secretary Misri was on a two-day visit to Beijing from January 26 to 27, 2025, to review bilateral relations. Also read: 14-year-old Noida boy makes asteroid discovery, NASA allows him to name it "In this context, the two sides decided to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in the summer of 2025; the relevant mechanism will discuss the modalities for doing so as per existing agreements," the MEA statement said. “The relevant mechanism will discuss the modalities for doing so as per existing agreements. They also agreed to hold an early meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism to discuss resumption of provision of hydrological data and other cooperation pertaining to trans-border rivers,” a statement by MEA said. Also read: PM Modi and Donald Trump discuss strengthening India-US partnership over call The two nations also expressed their willingness to restart direct flights and to encourage closer people-to-people interactions, particularly among media professionals and think tanks. “The two sides took stock of the extant mechanisms for functional exchanges. It was agreed to resume these dialogues step by step and to utilise them to address each other’s priority areas of interest and concern,” the MEA added. 75 years of India-China diplomacy The MEA statement added that the two sides will complete 75 years of establishment of diplomatic relations in 2025. This milestone should be used to strengthen public diplomacy, improve understanding, and rebuild trust between the two nations. Both sides will organise various events to celebrate the anniversary, the MEA added. (With inputs from agencies)

India-China talks: Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, direct flights to resume in 2025 - Know when

Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday (Nov. 19).&nbsp;

A press release issued by the Indian foreign ministry said the two sides discussed steps to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage.

Mansarovar is a freshwater&nbsp;lake in Tibet near Mount Kailash, and both are places of pilgrimage attracting Hindu devotees from India and neighbouring countries.

"Among the steps discussed were the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage, data sharing on trans-border rivers, direct flights between India and China, and media exchanges," the press release read.

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The two leaders also discussed maintaining peace and tranquility at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), following a recent thaw in ties after PM Narendra Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met in Russia's Kazan on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit.

"The Ministers recognized that the disengagement in our border areas had contributed to the maintenance of peace and tranquility. The discussions focused on the next steps in India-China relations. It was agreed that a meeting of the Special Representatives and of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism will take place soon," the press release read.

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The two leaders also discussed other global issues and noted that the two nations have "both differences and convergences." The two nations pledged to work constructively at forums like BRICS and SCO, as well as at G20.

"EAM said that we are strongly committed to a multipolar world, including a multipolar Asia. Where India is concerned, its foreign policy has been principled and consistent, marked by independent thought and action. We are against unilateral approaches to establish dominance. India does not view its relationships through the prism of other nations," the Indian foreign ministry said.

(More to follow)

Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday (Nov. 19).

Indian foreign minister S Jaishankar met with his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the G20 Summit in Brazil's Rio de Janeiro on Tuesday (Nov. 19). A press release issued by the Indian foreign ministry said the two sides discussed steps to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage. Mansarovar is a freshwater lake in Tibet near Mount Kailash, and both are places of pilgrimage attracting Hindu devotees from India and neighbouring countries. "Among the steps discussed were the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrimage, data sharing on trans-border rivers, direct flights between India and China, and media exchanges," the press release read. Also read: India-China border row: Disengagement of troops begins in Eastern Ladakh`s Demchok, Depsang The two leaders also discussed maintaining peace and tranquility at the Line of Actual Control (LAC), following a recent thaw in ties after PM Narendra Modi and Chinese leader Xi Jinping met in Russia's Kazan on the sidelines of the BRICS Summit. "The Ministers recognized that the disengagement in our border areas had contributed to the maintenance of peace and tranquility. The discussions focused on the next steps in India-China relations. It was agreed that a meeting of the Special Representatives and of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Minister mechanism will take place soon," the press release read. Also read: India trumps China as manufacturer of Apple`s most expensive iPhone Pro and Pro Max models The two leaders also discussed other global issues and noted that the two nations have "both differences and convergences." The two nations pledged to work constructively at forums like BRICS and SCO, as well as at G20. "EAM said that we are strongly committed to a multipolar world, including a multipolar Asia. Where India is concerned, its foreign policy has been principled and consistent, marked by independent thought and action. We are against unilateral approaches to establish dominance. India does not view its relationships through the prism of other nations," the Indian foreign ministry said. (More to follow)

India, China discuss resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, direct flights on sidelines of G20 Summit

Highlighting the role of Tibet in Indo-China friendship, Sun Xiaobo, Deputy Director-General of Foreign Affairs Office in Tibet Autonomous Region, has said that the 'roof of the world' can play an important role in boosting bilateral relations.

"China's relationship with India is on the priority of Chinese diplomacy and Tibet has a very long history of exchanges with India in terms of culture and religion. Tibet can play an important role in promoting relations between China and India," Xiaobo told ANI on Friday.

Highlighting the significance of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Tibet, the Deputy Director-General said that pilgrimage is a very important component of exchange between the two countries.

"We all understand the significance of providing better service for Indians, who undertake the pilgrimage in Tibet. We will maintain this policy and do what we can to make Indians visiting Tibet feel at home," Xiaobo said.

Focusing on the future of India-China relations, Xiaobo said that the governments and foreign ministries of both countries have a lot of scope to improve bilateral ties by undertaking exchanges.

"Our two leaders -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping -- also pay great attention in this respect. There are lots of measures ready to be implemented. We are confident that efforts by two governments will create a better future," he stressed.

Thousands of devotees participate in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through a treacherous route that crosses territorial boundaries of India, Nepal, and China.

According to the schedule for this year, 18 batches will trek across the Lipulekh pass in Uttarakhand while 10 other batches will go via the Nathula route to Sikkim. Each batch will comprise of not more than 50 people.

The Ministry of External Affairs organises the annual Yatra via two different routes - Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, and Nathula Pass in Sikkim.

While the Liplekh route passes through a very mountainous area, the fully motorable Nathula route that opened a few years ago requires minimum walking and will, therefore, help senior citizens participating in the pilgrimage.

Highlighting the role of Tibet in Indo-China friendship, Sun Xiaobo, Deputy Director-General of Foreign Affairs Office in Tibet Autonomous Region, has said that the 'roof of the world' can play an important role in boosting bilateral relations.

Highlighting the role of Tibet in Indo-China friendship, Sun Xiaobo, Deputy Director-General of Foreign Affairs Office in Tibet Autonomous Region, has said that the 'roof of the world' can play an important role in boosting bilateral relations. "China's relationship with India is on the priority of Chinese diplomacy and Tibet has a very long history of exchanges with India in terms of culture and religion. Tibet can play an important role in promoting relations between China and India," Xiaobo told ANI on Friday. Highlighting the significance of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for Tibet, the Deputy Director-General said that pilgrimage is a very important component of exchange between the two countries. "We all understand the significance of providing better service for Indians, who undertake the pilgrimage in Tibet. We will maintain this policy and do what we can to make Indians visiting Tibet feel at home," Xiaobo said. Focusing on the future of India-China relations, Xiaobo said that the governments and foreign ministries of both countries have a lot of scope to improve bilateral ties by undertaking exchanges. "Our two leaders -- Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping -- also pay great attention in this respect. There are lots of measures ready to be implemented. We are confident that efforts by two governments will create a better future," he stressed. Thousands of devotees participate in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through a treacherous route that crosses territorial boundaries of India, Nepal, and China. According to the schedule for this year, 18 batches will trek across the Lipulekh pass in Uttarakhand while 10 other batches will go via the Nathula route to Sikkim. Each batch will comprise of not more than 50 people. The Ministry of External Affairs organises the annual Yatra via two different routes - Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, and Nathula Pass in Sikkim. While the Liplekh route passes through a very mountainous area, the fully motorable Nathula route that opened a few years ago requires minimum walking and will, therefore, help senior citizens participating in the pilgrimage.

'Tibet can play an important role in promoting India-China ties'

With Mansarovar yatra all set to begin, India has said that the visit is important not only for spiritual purposes but also helps build India-China relationship.

Speaking at the Computerized Draw of lots for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2019 Foreign Secretary said, "Our ministry's consistent effort has been to get as many applications as we can because we think this yatra is important not only for those going for spiritual or religious purposes but also to build relations between India and China."

In all ministry of external affair has received 2996 application, out&nbsp;of which 2256 are male applicants, 740 are female applicants.&nbsp;

There are two routes to go the annual yatra--via Lipulekh pass in Uttrakhand &amp; Nathu La pass in Sikkim.

Number of batches for Lipulekh route is 18 with yatris per batch at 58 while for Nathu La, number of batches stands at 10 with 48 yatris per batch. Two liaison officer will assist each batch of yatris.&nbsp;

Nathu La route has been been opened a few years ago and is fully motorable and requires minimum of walking.&nbsp;

Around 624 Senior citizens applied for the yatra and will be preferred via Nathu La route. Lipulekh route is mountainous and the terrain is challenging.

The Foreign Secretary said, "Our hope and endeavour that we provide the first chance to those who didn't have the chance to go to the yatra--the first time applicants and we give priority to them."&nbsp;

Time taken in Nathula is 21 day and the cost is $2200 while Lipulekh is 20 day and costs $900.&nbsp;

With Mansarovar yatra all set to begin, India has said that the visit is important not only for spiritual purposes but also helps build India-China relationship.

With Mansarovar yatra all set to begin, India has said that the visit is important not only for spiritual purposes but also helps build India-China relationship. Speaking at the Computerized Draw of lots for Kailash Manasarovar Yatra 2019 Foreign Secretary said, "Our ministry's consistent effort has been to get as many applications as we can because we think this yatra is important not only for those going for spiritual or religious purposes but also to build relations between India and China." In all ministry of external affair has received 2996 application, out of which 2256 are male applicants, 740 are female applicants. There are two routes to go the annual yatra--via Lipulekh pass in Uttrakhand & Nathu La pass in Sikkim. Number of batches for Lipulekh route is 18 with yatris per batch at 58 while for Nathu La, number of batches stands at 10 with 48 yatris per batch. Two liaison officer will assist each batch of yatris. Nathu La route has been been opened a few years ago and is fully motorable and requires minimum of walking. Around 624 Senior citizens applied for the yatra and will be preferred via Nathu La route. Lipulekh route is mountainous and the terrain is challenging. The Foreign Secretary said, "Our hope and endeavour that we provide the first chance to those who didn't have the chance to go to the yatra--the first time applicants and we give priority to them." Time taken in Nathula is 21 day and the cost is $2200 while Lipulekh is 20 day and costs $900.

Mansarovar yatra to help build ties with China: India