By Mewati Sitaram
In a significant move toward strengthening India-China ties, discussions have commenced to resume direct flights and restart the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. These pivotal topics were addressed during a meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on the sidelines of the G20 Summit.
This high-level interaction comes after the completion of the disengagement process in the disputed areas of Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh. Both ministers acknowledged that this progress has contributed to maintaining peace and stability along the Line of Actual Control (LAC).
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a revered pilgrimage to Mount Kailash in China, was also suspended during the pandemic and awaits resumption. This pilgrimage holds deep spiritual significance, as the mountain is considered the abode of Lord Shiva in Hindu mythology.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) confirmed that other matters, including data sharing on trans-border rivers and media exchanges, were also discussed. Notably, the Chinese Foreign Ministry described the current phase of India-China relations as being at a “new starting point.”
The talks signal a cautious but hopeful step toward normalizing ties, with the resumption of direct flights and the pilgrimage symbolizing potential milestones in fostering goodwill and cooperation.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
