Vikram Misri and Sun Weidong discuss stabilising India-China ties

Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and visiting Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong met in New Delhi to discuss bilateral ties. They agreed to expedite the process of restarting direct air services between the two countries.

The direct air service between the two countries was suspended in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. After the border clash at Galwan in June 2020, the relationship between the two countries has been in a deep freeze. 

Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong visited India for two days from June 12 to 13, 2025.

This was the second talk between the two after their meeting in Beijing on 27 January 2025.

Main Points of Misri and Sun Weidong meeting 

• Both sides agreed to continue dialogue to stabilise the relationship between the two countries and focus on building people-centric engagements.
• Both agreed to expedite the steps needed to resume direct air service between the two countries.
• They also agreed to conduct dialogues on economic and trade areas to address each other's concerns.
• They also agreed to plan an activity commemorating the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between India and China. India established diplomatic relations with China on 1 April 1950.
• Vikram Misri thanked the Chinese for their cooperation in the resumption of the Kaislash  Masarovar Yatra in 2025

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resume after 6 years 

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumed in 2025 after six years. 

The last Yatra was held in 2019, but it remained suspended due to the COVID-19 pandemic and tensions between India and China.

During Vikram Misri’s visit to Beijing, China, in January 2025, India and China agreed to resume the Kaislah Mansoravar Yatra in 2025.

Pabitra Margherita, Minister of State for External Affairs, flagged off the first batch of 50 pilgrims in New Delhi on 13 June 2025.

The Kailash Mansarovar is in Tibet and is considered Lord Shiva's abode.

It is a place of spiritual significance for the Hindus.

Organiser of the Yatra 

• The Ministry of External Affairs organises the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra with the support of the state governments of Uttarakhand, Delhi, and Sikkim, and with the cooperation of the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP).
• The Kumaon Mandal Vikas Nigam, Sikkim Tourism Development Corporation (STDC) and their associated organisations provide logistical support and facilities for each batch of Yatris in India.

Routes of Yatra 

There are two routes to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet. 

• Through Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand),
• Through Nathu La Pass (Sikkim).