By Mewati Sitaram
The ice between India and China appears to be slowly melting. In a recent meeting at the Foreign Secretary level, both countries held significant discussions aimed at normalizing bilateral ties. During the talks, both sides agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage and restore direct flights between New Delhi and Beijing.
This development is being seen as a major step towards easing the tensions that have prevailed since the Galwan Valley clash in 2020. During the dialogue, both parties emphasized that rebuilding trust in bilateral relations can only be achieved through public engagement and sustained communication.
The longstanding strain in India-China relations—often manifesting in border disputes and diplomatic standoffs—is well known. However, both nations have now initiated efforts to improve ties. A recent meeting in Delhi between India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and China’s Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong reflected a positive shift in that direction.
The dialogue not only focused on improving bilateral relations, but also reached consensus on key areas such as resuming air services, simplifying visa procedures, exchanging hydrological data on international rivers, and promoting religious pilgrimages. These measures are especially encouraging for Indian pilgrims who have long awaited the reopening of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
During his two-day visit, Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong arrived in New Delhi on Thursday and participated in high-level discussions. Both countries agreed to expedite the process of resuming direct flights, with expectations that a new air travel agreement will soon be finalized.
This initiative is being seen as a crucial step toward restoring warmth in the otherwise frosty bilateral relationship. Additionally, both countries agreed to share hydrological data—such as river water levels, flow rates, and rainfall statistics. This agreement is expected to strengthen disaster management, flood forecasting, and environmental cooperation, thereby enhancing both technical and humanitarian collaboration between India and China.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
