India and China Agree to Resume Direct Flights and Pilgrimages After Five Years

The agreement follows high-level talks aimed at rebuilding ties after years of military standoff and strained relations.

• India and China have agreed in principle to resume direct commercial flights, which were suspended in 2020 due to the pandemic and border tensions.
• The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a religious pilgrimage halted since 2020, will also resume in the summer of 2025, with further details to be finalized.
• The decision comes after meetings between Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, emphasizing mutual understanding and cooperation.
• Both nations have made progress in disengaging troops at key border friction points but continue to maintain significant military presence in the region.
• Economic and trade issues, including India's concerns over trade imbalances and transparency, were also discussed, alongside plans to enhance people-to-people exchanges.

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