Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to resume in 2025

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will restart in 2025, according to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) of India. This decision follows recent discussions between India and China. However, the exact details of how the pilgrimage will resume are still being discussed. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal confirmed the plans during a media briefing. He stated that while there is an understanding for the Yatra to take place, the specific arrangements have not yet been finalized. He noted ongoing constructive dialogues between India and China since a meeting last October between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping. There has been progress in relations between the two countries. Jaiswal mentioned that engagements have continued at various levels, including meetings between foreign ministers and national security advisers. In February, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during a G20 meeting, where they reviewed bilateral ties and peace along the border. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra typically runs from June to September. It has been suspended since 2020 due to COVID-19 and issues with arrangements from the Chinese side. Earlier this year, India and China agreed in principle to restore direct flights and resume the Yatra, following talks in Beijing. Additionally, the MEA provided an update on negotiations for a free trade agreement with Peru. They began in 2017, and after several rounds of talks, the eighth round is expected to be scheduled soon.