Pilgrimage to Peace: Resumption of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and the Geopolitics of Faith
In a heartening development for millions of devotees, the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is set to resume in the summer of 2025, marking a significant moment in the complex tapestry of India-China relations. After a hiatus since 2020, primarily due to the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating border tensions, the pilgrimage's revival follows a crucial meeting between India's Foreign Secretary and China's Deputy Foreign Minister in January 2025. This diplomatic engagement not only paved the way for the Yatra's resumption but also addressed the restoration of direct air services between the two nations, suspended since 2020. As the two countries celebrate the 75th anniversary of their diplomatic relations in 2025, the recommencement of the Yatra is viewed as a vital step towards mending strained ties and fostering people-to-people connections. This pilgrimage, deeply embedded in the spiritual ethos of Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism, transcends mere physical travel; it's ...