India-China Talks: Kailash Yatra to Resume

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

• India and China focus on reducing border tensions in talks.
• Agreement reached to restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
• Kailash Mansarovar Yatra had been suspended since 2020.
• The 33rd WMCC meeting between India and China held in Beijing.
• Both countries commit to maintaining peace on the border.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

India and China held talks on Tuesday, focusing on ways to ease tensions along the border and resume cross-border cooperation. A key focus of the talks was restarting cross-border cooperation, particularly on trans-border rivers and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. An agreement was reached to restart the Kailash Yatra, which had been suspended since 2020. This is a significant step towards improving relations between the two countries.

The 33rd meeting of the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination on India-China Border Affairs (WMCC) was held in Beijing. The Indian delegation was led by Joint Secretary (East Asia) Gourangalal Das, while China was represented by Hong Liang, Director General of the Boundary and Oceanic Affairs Department. The aim of these border talks is to normalise relations.

Discussions covered the situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), with both sides agreeing that peace at the border is key to maintaining stable relations. They explored ways to implement past agreements, including decisions made during the Special Representatives’ meeting in December 2024. Both sides also discussed improving border management and strengthening diplomatic and military communication channels.

Looking ahead, India and China agreed to start preparing for the next round of high-level border talks, set to take place in India later this year. This India-China dialogue will be a crucial opportunity.

Since October 2024, the two countries have made progress in easing tensions along the LAC. They resumed patrolling in Depsang Plains and Demchok, while grazing activity also restarted in these areas. Diplomatic engagements have continued, with both sides committed to ongoing dialogue for a broader resolution. Efforts are continuously being made to resolve this border dispute. This is a complex issue, requiring patience and understanding for resolution.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will help strengthen cultural and spiritual ties between the people of both countries.

Aakhir Tak – Key Takeaways to Remember

• India and China agreed to reduce tensions in border talks.
• Decision made to restart the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
• Both countries committed to maintaining peace on the border.
• The 33rd WMCC meeting was held in Beijing.
• The next round of high-level border talks will be held in India.

Aakhir Tak Editor-in-Chief

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