China, India Reopen Pilgrimage Routes to Tibet for Indian Visitors

China and India have agreed to resume Indian pilgrimages to sacred sites in Tibet, including Mount Kangrinboqe (Gang Rinpoche) and Lake Mapam Yumco, beginning this summer after a five-year hiatus due to border tensions and the pandemic. This development signals a significant warming in bilateral relations, facilitated by renewed diplomatic engagement and recent agreements on trade, economic cooperation, and direct air services. The reopening of these pilgrimage routes is seen as an important step towards enhancing people-to-people and cultural exchanges, especially as both countries mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations. Both governments are coordinating preparations to ensure the smooth resumption of these religious visits. The move also follows high-level dialogues and a recent meeting between special representatives to strengthen trust-building and border management measures. Overall, the initiative reflects a broader commitment to stable and constructive ties between the two nations.