In News:

After a four-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2020 Galwan Valley clash, India and China have agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in June 2025, along with other confidence-building measures.

This decision aligns with the 75th anniversary of India-China diplomatic relations, symbolizing an attempt to stabilize and recalibrate bilateral ties through people-centric initiatives.

Key Highlights:

Key announcements include:

• Resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
• Restoration of direct air services
• Visa issuance for journalists and think tanks
• Hydrological data sharing and cooperation on trans-border rivers
• Enhanced people-to-people exchanges and academic/media dialogues

About the Yatra

• The Yatra involves a pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in the Tibetan Autonomous Region (Xizang).
• Organised by India’s Ministry of External Affairs between June–September, via two routes:
  • Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand)
  • Nathu La Pass (Sikkim)
• Supported by the state governments of Uttarakhand, Sikkim, and Delhi, and coordinated with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police.
• Open only to Indian citizens with valid passports; no financial subsidy is provided by the Government of India.

Geographical and Religious Significance:

• Mount Kailash, located in the Kailash Range (Transhimalaya), is the source of four major rivers: Sutlej, Brahmaputra, Indus, and Karnali.
• Revered across religions:
  • Hindus consider it the abode of Lord Shiva; Mansarovar is one of the 51 Shaktipeeths.
  • Buddhists and Tibetans regard it as the ‘Stairway to Heaven’.
  • Jains believe Rishabhanatha attained enlightenment here—referred to as Ashtapada.

Diplomatic Interpretations and Differences

• India’s Position: Emphasized a step-by-step, cautious approach focusing on rebuilding trust and resolving contentious issues, particularly the border situation. India sought policy predictability and transparency in trade, and reaffirmed the importance of mutual respect and interests.
• China’s Position: Took a more optimistic and strategic stance, stressing the need to avoid "mutual suspicion" and to advance cooperation based on long-term national interests. It emphasized early action, including the swift resumption of the Yatra and flights.

Ongoing Concerns in Bilateral Relations

• Unresolved Border Disputes:
  • Tensions persist along the Line of Actual Control (LAC)—notably in Galwan (2020) and Tawang (2022).
  • India and China have made limited progress in resolving issues in Depsang and Demchok.
• Trade Imbalance:
  • Bilateral trade in 2023–24 stood at USD 118.4 billion, with India facing a trade deficit of USD 85 billion.
  • India raised concerns on market access and non-tariff barriers.
• China-Pakistan Axis:
  • The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) runs through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, violating India’s territorial sovereignty.
  • China’s support for Pakistan in multilateral forums remains a thorn in bilateral ties.
• China’s Regional Assertiveness:
  • Expanding influence in South Asia and the Indian Ocean through the String of Pearls, strategic presence in Maldives, Sri Lanka, and strong claims in the South China Sea, contribute to regional unease.

Significance of the Current Diplomatic Thaw

• The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra reflects a symbolic softening in ties, emphasizing religious diplomacy and people-to-people connection.
• Restoration of direct flights and journalistic presence can aid in reducing mistrust.
• Hydrological cooperation, particularly over the Brahmaputra River, is essential for India’s water security, especially with China constructing mega-dams upstream.

Way Forward

• Rebuild Trust Through Engagement: Maintain diplomatic dialogues via platforms like BRICS, SCO, and G20, while holding to core national interests.
• Resolve Border Disputes: Pursue early finalization of the LAC through confidence-building agreements and military disengagement.
• Diversify Economic Strategy: Reduce dependency on Chinese imports by strengthening domestic manufacturing and regional trade alternatives.
• Enhance Cultural Diplomacy: Use platforms like the Kailash Yatra to foster mutual understanding rooted in shared civilizational values.
• Promote Transparency and Reciprocity: Especially in media, trade, and information sharing, to ensure balanced bilateral engagement.