Tue Nov 19 16:36:00 UTC 2024: ## India and China Signal Improved Ties, Discuss Flight Resumption and Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

**Rio de Janeiro, Brazil** – India and China have taken a significant step towards improving bilateral relations, with both countries agreeing to explore the resumption of direct flights and the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. The announcement follows a meeting between External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Rio de Janeiro.

The ministers acknowledged the recent completion of the disengagement process in the disputed areas of Depsang and Demchok in eastern Ladakh, noting its contribution to maintaining peace and tranquility in the region. Direct flights between the two countries were suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, while the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a significant pilgrimage for Hindus, was also halted.

The meeting, the first high-level engagement since the disengagement, also covered discussions on data sharing regarding trans-border rivers and media exchanges. Both sides emphasized the importance of stabilizing ties, managing differences, and taking further steps to improve relations.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian stated that “China-India relations are at a new starting point,” highlighting the recent successful meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping. He stressed the need for both countries to build mutual trust through dialogue, properly address differences, and work towards a stable and healthy relationship.

Minister Jaishankar reiterated India’s commitment to a multipolar world and its consistent foreign policy, emphasizing a principled and independent approach. He noted that India and China share both differences and convergences, and have cooperated constructively within frameworks like BRICS and the SCO.

The positive signals from this meeting suggest a potential thaw in relations between the two Asian giants, following periods of heightened tension. However, the long-term success of these initiatives will depend on the continued commitment of both sides to dialogue and conflict resolution.

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