India and China have decided to resume the Kailash-Mansarovar yatra this summer. The development comes during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to China, and over three months after the two countries negotiated an end to the military standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The relevant mechanism will discuss the modalities for doing so as per existing agreements, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
India, China Agree On Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
Why In News
- India and China have decided to resume the Kailash-Mansarovar yatra this summer. The development comes during Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri’s visit to China, and over three months after the two countries negotiated an end to the military standoff at the Line of Actual Control (LAC). The relevant mechanism will discuss the modalities for doing so as per existing agreements, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.
India – China
- Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri visited Beijing for a meeting of the Foreign Secretary-Vice Foreign Minister mechanism between India and China.
- Resuming the Kailash Mansarovar yatra is considered a significant step in improving relations between the two nations.
- Since the COVID-19 pandemic, the yatra, which includes visits to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake in Tibet, has been halted.
- In the wake of the ensuing tensions between Beijing and New Delhi after the pandemic, the Chinese side did not renew any deals.
- The Galwan clash later only worsened the situation. Kailash Mansarovar is believed to be the sacred abode of Lord Shiva. The Yatra, which enables Indian pilgrims to visit the sacred Kailash Mansarovar region in Tibet, has been suspended for the past few years.
- The two sides have also agreed “to take appropriate measures to further promote and facilitate people-to-people exchanges, including media and think-tank interactions.
Significance of Kailash Mansarovar yatra
- Kailash Mansarovar is regarded as one of the holiest mountains in the world.
- This sacred mountain, which lies at the centre of the powerful Himalayas, survived over the centuries.
- This holy peak is deeply religiously and spiritually significant to Tibetans, Jains, and Buddhists. According to Tibetan belief, Mount Kailash, also called “Mount Meru,” is the cosmic axis that connects heaven and earth. As per legend, the mountain is also home to the mystical saint Demchock.
- Jainism holds that Rishabhanatha, the first Tirthankar (Jains’ spiritual preacher), found enlightenment at Mount Kailash. Mount Kailash is also referred to in Jain literature as “Ashtapada,” or “the eight steps,” which can pave the way to enlightenment and spiritual advancement.
- Standing tall at 21,778 feet, Mount Kailash is considered by Hindus to be the celestial home of Goddess Parvati and Lord Shiva, the destroyer in the Trimurti tradition. Many people believe that Shiva meditates at the top of Mount Kailash, and visitors have come to understand his presence there. In addition to its very large shape, Kailash Parvat is also referred to as the “spiritual centre of the Earth.”
- Further intriguing is the fact that planet Earth is divided into four sections by the four rivers that emerge from it: the Sutlej, Brahmaputra, Kamali, and Indus.
- According to Hindu texts, Kailash Mansarovar Lake or Mansarovar Jheel, situated on the southern foot of Mount Kailash, was first visualised by Lord Brahma in his mind, after which it materialised on Earth.
- The lake is said to be one of Sati’s 51 Shaktipeeths. According to Devi’s writings, Goddess Sati’s hands fell near the revered lake Mansarovar. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is much more than a simple spiritual pilgrimage; it represents the culmination of countless Shiva devotees’ longing for Mount Kailash Darshan and Lord Shiva’s grace.
- The journey is thought to be the pathway to Moksha, or salvation. At Lake Mansarovar, pilgrims frequently perform the “Kailash Kora” or “Kailash Parikrama,” which takes roughly two and a half to three days to finish.
- Pilgrims are said to benefit from the ritual by experiencing wealth, renewal, and good fortune. However, because the mountain is revered in many religions, climbing it is officially forbidden.
- The sacred mountain is the subject of many unknown truths and mysteries.
- Scientists who have been studying Kailash Parvat for years are fascinated by the mysteries, with NASA capturing satellite photos of the mountain showing Lord Shiva’s smiling look.
Mending Ties
- Direct flight services between the two nations have resumed as a result of the meeting between the foreign secretaries; an updated framework for this purpose will be negotiated at an early date by the necessary technical authorities on both sides. The resumption of hydrological data provision and other cooperation related to trans-border rivers will also be discussed at an early meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism.
- Hydrological data sharing and trans-border river cooperation : In addition to religious exchanges, both sides agreed to hold an early meeting of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism. The primary agenda for the meeting will be the resumption of the provision of hydrological data, a critical component for managing shared water resources from trans-border rivers. This cooperation is vital for ensuring water security in regions affected by shared river systems.
- Boosting people-to-people exchanges : The discussions also centered around measures to promote deeper people-to-people interactions, including media and think-tank engagements. Both sides expressed their commitment to resume direct air services, a step that could significantly improve connectivity between India and China.
- Public diplomacy and 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations : Looking ahead, the two sides agreed to focus on public diplomacy efforts in 2025 to mark the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China. The year will witness a series of commemorative activities aimed at fostering greater understanding and trust among the public. Both countries expressed a shared commitment to using this milestone as an opportunity to promote stronger ties.
- Addressing economic and trade concerns : The two sides also took stock of the existing mechanisms for functional exchanges, particularly in the economic and trade sectors. Specific concerns related to trade imbalances and economic cooperation were discussed, with a focus on resolving these issues and ensuring greater policy transparency and predictability in the long term.
