A New Chapter in Bilateral Ties
This report summarizes the significant steps India and China have taken to normalize relations after a period of tension. From restoring travel links to enhancing diplomatic frameworks, this interactive page provides a comprehensive overview of the key agreements.
Restored Connectivity
Resumption of direct flights and streamlined visa processes to boost travel and people-to-people ties.
Reopened Trade
Border trade to resume at three key passes, fostering economic activity and cross-border commerce.
Cultural Exchange
The sacred Kailash Manasarovar Yatra will be expanded, strengthening long-standing cultural and religious links.
Enhanced Diplomacy
New mechanisms for border management and continued high-level dialogue aim to ensure lasting peace.
Rebuilding Bridges: Travel & Pilgrimage
This section focuses on the agreements that will restore and strengthen the movement of people between India and China, including the resumption of flights and the expansion of cultural exchanges like the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra.
Direct Flights & Visa Facilitation
A landmark agreement has been reached to resume direct flight connectivity between India and the Chinese mainland at the earliest. This move, which includes updating the Air Services Agreement, will end the suspension that followed the Doklam crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. To further encourage exchange, both nations will facilitate visas for tourists, business travelers, media personnel, and other visitors, aiming to restore and strengthen the people-to-people connections that have been disrupted.
Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Expansion
The sacred pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in Tibet, a journey of immense religious significance for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains, is set to continue and expand. Starting from 2026, the scale of the yatra will be increased. This decision not only respects the deep cultural and religious sentiments but also serves as a powerful symbol of normalizing ties and fostering goodwill between the two nations.
Economic Corridors: Reopening Border Trade
A pivotal element of the recent agreements is the decision to reopen border trade at three designated trading points. This initiative is expected to revitalize local economies, boost cross-border commerce, and improve livelihoods in the border regions. Explore the hypothetical trade data below.
Projected Border Trade Value
Ensuring Stability: Border Management & Dialogue
To ensure long-term peace and prevent future standoffs, India and China have committed to establishing new frameworks for border management and continuing high-level diplomatic engagement. These measures are foundational to building trust and a stable, predictable relationship.
High-Level Diplomatic Engagement
The momentum of dialogue will be maintained at the highest levels. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to visit Tianjin, China, for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit on August 31 and September 1, 2025. This visit, his first to China in over seven years, provides a crucial opportunity to meet with President Xi Jinping and further solidify the "stable, predictable, and constructive ties" that both leaders have emphasized as vital for regional and global prosperity.
New Border Management Mechanisms
Both countries will establish at least three new mechanisms to improve coordination. This includes: an Expert Group under the WMCC to explore "early harvest" steps in boundary delimitation; a Working Group to strengthen effective border management; and expanding General Level Mechanisms to cover the eastern and middle sectors. These groups will use diplomatic and military channels to work on de-escalation and maintain peace and tranquility.
Timeline of Key Developments
October 2024
PM Modi and President Xi Jinping meet in Kazan, laying the groundwork for normalizing relations.
August 18-19, 2025
Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi visits New Delhi for the 24th round of Special Representatives' talks with NSA Ajit Doval.
August 20, 2025
Joint announcements made regarding the resumption of flights, reopening of border trade, and new border management mechanisms.
Aug 31 - Sep 1, 2025
PM Modi scheduled to attend the SCO Summit in Tianjin and meet with President Xi Jinping.
2026
Planned expansion of the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra to begin.
