The Indian Ministry of External Affairs announced that while there is an agreement to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, discussions on its modalities remain pending. Constructive talks between India and China are ongoing. Additionally, negotiations for a free trade agreement with Peru are expected to continue soon.

The Ministry of External Affairs of India has confirmed that while an understanding has been reached for the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra this year, the specific modalities have yet to be finalized. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal addressed this during a media briefing, noting the constructive discussions between India and China that have been ongoing since the meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping last October.

Mr. Jaiswal highlighted the positive progress in dialogue at various levels, including engagement involving the External Affairs Minister, the National Security Adviser, and the Foreign Secretary, who visited China in January. He remarked that several in-principle agreements have been made, indicating a hopeful outlook for future developments.

Furthermore, he mentioned the meeting between External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during the G20 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Johannesburg, where they addressed bilateral relations, border peace, and the Yatra’s resumption. Although an understanding was reached that the Yatra could restart in 2025, the modalities for doing so remain to be discussed.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is typically conducted from June to September each year, utilizing two official routes: Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim. The pilgrimage has been suspended since 2020 due to COVID-19 and the non-renewal of arrangements by China, as noted by Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh.

In January, India and China mutually agreed to resume the Yatra and expressed intentions to restore direct flights, following extensive talks led by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri in Beijing. Additionally, regarding a potential free trade agreement with Peru, the MEA spokesperson mentioned that negotiations were initiated in 2017 and that future talks are anticipated to resume soon, with the eighth round of negotiations in the planning stages.

In summary, the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been agreed upon, yet specific logistical arrangements are still under discussion. Continued constructive dialogue between India and China has laid a foundation for further cooperation. Additionally, negotiations for a free trade agreement with Peru are poised to advance, with an eighth round expected in the near future, reflecting a generally optimistic outlook in bilateral relations.

Original Source: www.ndtv.com

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