In a significant step towards restoring diplomatic and people-to-people ties, India and China have agreed to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and have given their in-principle nod to restarting direct air services, according to a meeting held between India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong in Beijing. This decision comes as part of ongoing efforts to normalize relations between the two neighboring nations following their prolonged border standoff, which began more than four years ago.
The meeting in Beijing marked the revival of the Foreign Secretary–Vice Foreign Minister mechanism, symbolizing a cautious yet hopeful attempt to rebuild trust. This dialogue follows an October 2024 agreement aimed at reducing tensions along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the contested border region between India and China.
During the meeting, both sides committed to taking “people-centric steps to stabilize and rebuild ties,” according to the Indian Ministry of External Affairs. Among the highlights of the discussions was the decision to restart the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, a sacred journey for Indian devotees, in the summer of 2025. Further discussions are planned to finalize the modalities of this pilgrimage, aligning with existing agreements between the two nations.
Resumption of Direct Flights
Another key agreement from the talks was the resumption of direct air services between India and China, which had been suspended since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent geopolitical tensions. Both nations tasked their respective technical authorities to negotiate a new framework to facilitate these flights at the earliest possible date.
This move is seen as a way to rebuild connectivity, not just for travelers but also for businesses and students who have faced challenges due to travel restrictions in recent years. In addition to reopening travel routes, India and China agreed to take steps to foster people-to-people exchanges. This includes initiatives such as think tank collaborations, media interactions, and scholarly dialogues. An early meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism is also on the agenda to discuss the resumption of hydrological data sharing and other transborder river cooperation projects.
Economic and Trade Concerns Take Center Stage
The discussion also delved into economic and trade concerns, with both sides acknowledging the need for greater transparency and predictability in policies. India has long expressed concerns about market access barriers and the imbalance in trade. In the fiscal year 2024, the bilateral trade volume stood at $118.4 billion, with India importing goods worth $101.7 billion from China while exporting only $16.67 billion.
While the talks addressed economic issues, both sides emphasized the need for long-term solutions to promote equitable trade and reduce dependency on a single market. Looking ahead, India and China plan to leverage the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025 to enhance public diplomacy and rebuild mutual trust. Both countries aim to organize commemorative activities and initiatives to foster better understanding among their citizens.
The Border Standoff: A Lingering Shadow
Despite the progress in dialogues, the shadow of the Ladakh border standoff, which began in 2020, continues to loom over bilateral ties. The brutal clash in the Galwan Valley, which resulted in the loss of 20 Indian soldiers and an unspecified number of Chinese troops, marked one of the lowest points in relations since the 1962 war. Efforts to de-escalate the situation have seen some success, with an agreement on disengagement at the remaining friction points in Demchok and Depsang reached in October 2024. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping also met in Russia shortly after to reaffirm their commitment to restoring peace.
High-Level Engagements Continue
In recent months, there has been a flurry of high-level engagements. India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval visited Beijing in December for a meeting of the Special Representatives on the border issue. This was followed by Foreign Secretary Misri’s discussions with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong. Chinese officials have emphasized the need to put the border issue in its “appropriate place” within the overall framework of India-China relations. In contrast, India has maintained a cautious stance, prioritizing security and sovereignty concerns. During the meeting, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi highlighted that improving bilateral relations was in the fundamental interest of both nations. He urged India and China to avoid “mutual suspicion and alienation” and instead work towards “mutual understanding and support.” From the Indian side, there was a focus on ensuring transparency in trade policies and addressing concerns related to visa regulations. India also called for meaningful progress in resolving border disputes as a precursor to broader cooperation in other areas. The latest talks between India and China signal cautious optimism in their quest to normalize relations after years of tension. The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and direct flights are symbolic steps toward rebuilding trust, while agreements on economic transparency and people-to-people exchanges point to a broader roadmap for cooperation. However, the road ahead is fraught with challenges, particularly in resolving the border issue, which remains a contentious point. As both nations prepare to mark 75 years of diplomatic ties in 2025, their ability to navigate these complexities will determine the trajectory of one of the world’s most consequential bilateral relationships.