What happened?
In a step towards normalising strained ties, India announced that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will resume from June 2025 after a five-year suspension. Five batches of 50 pilgrims each will cross through Uttarakhand’s Lipulekh Pass and ten batches through Sikkim’s Nathu La Pass. The Ministry of External Affairs has opened registrations online, with pilgrims to be selected through a computer-generated, gender-balanced process.
Why it matters to India
The yatra’s resumption signals a thaw in India-China relations following military disengagement in eastern Ladakh. It reflects progress since meetings between senior officials, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar and China’s Wang Yi. Beyond religious importance, the move could pave the way for easing visas, starting direct flights, and enhancing people-to-people exchanges — crucial steps toward rebuilding trust between the two neighbours.