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Jaishankar Highlights Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Resumption in Talks with Chinese Vice President Han Zheng

[Photo : X/@DrSJaishankar]

During his official visit to Beijing, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met Chinese Vice President Han Zheng and highlighted the wide appreciation in India for the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a significant pilgrimage suspended since 2020.

In his opening remarks, Jaishankar said the restarting of the Yatra has been positively received across India, and he emphasized the importance of continuing the normalization of India-China relations. He also reiterated India’s support for China’s presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO).

“The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is widely appreciated in India,” Jaishankar told Han, noting that the two nations are marking 75 years of diplomatic relations. “Continued normalization of our ties can produce mutually beneficial outcomes,” he added.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, revered by Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, had been on hold since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and deteriorating India-China ties following the Galwan Valley clash. The pilgrimage is traditionally conducted via Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.

Jaishankar expressed optimism about improving bilateral relations, citing the momentum gained after a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan last year.

“Our bilateral relationship has been steadily improving since the meeting between PM Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan. I am confident my discussions during this visit will maintain that positive trajectory,” he said.

He further stressed the importance of open communication amid a complex global environment, stating that as major neighboring economies, India and China must continue to exchange views candidly.

This visit is Jaishankar’s first trip to China in five years, coming ahead of his participation in the SCO Council of Foreign Ministers’ Meeting in Tianjin on July 15. He is also expected to hold bilateral talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

Jaishankar’s visit follows recent China trips by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, reflecting renewed diplomatic engagement after the severe 2020 Galwan Valley standoff, which marked the worst India-China border clash in decades.

Efforts to revive the Special Representatives (SR) mechanism for resolving the long-standing boundary dispute were reportedly initiated during the Modi-Xi interaction in Kazan. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi is also scheduled to visit India next month for further discussions with NSA Doval.

The resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra stands out as a symbolic step toward rebuilding trust, as both nations cautiously seek to restore stability and cooperation in bilateral ties.

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