Despite the political rhetoric opposing China, the relationship between the two countries is somewhat different. A meeting was held in New Delhi between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong to further strengthen the cordial ties between India and China. During this meeting, special discussions were held regarding the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, among other issues.
A new positive step has been taken to strengthen the bilateral relationship between India and China. A significant meeting took place in New Delhi between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong. This meeting occurred during Sun Weidong’s two-day visit to India. Both parties discussed the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, the restoration of direct air services, and other people-centric initiatives, which are crucial steps towards normalising relations that have been strained since the Galwan clash in 2020.
According to a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mishri and Sun reviewed the progress of bilateral relations following their meeting in Beijing on January 27, 2025. Mishri expressed appreciation for China’s cooperation in initiating the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage this year between June and August. The Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage is sacred for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists. This pilgrimage was postponed in 2020 due to COVID-19 and tensions at the border in Ladakh.
The sacred Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage is set to resume via the Nathu La route in Sikkim, with the first group of 50 pilgrims scheduled to arrive in Gangtok on June 15. This year, pilgrims will travel to Tibet in 15 batches through the Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La (Sikkim). Mishri also mentioned a specialised level meeting in April 2025 to discuss cooperation on rivers across the border, where the sharing of hydrological data for rivers like the Brahmaputra was addressed.
Both parties have agreed to soon resume direct air services. In 2019, there were 539 flight services between India and China, which were halted due to COVID and the Galwan clash. The mixed air service agreement is expected to be finalised quickly. Additionally, consent has been given to take effective measures for the exchange of visa benefits, media, and think tanks. Both countries will celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025, and plans for cultural and people-centred activities have also been made.
