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Strengthening India-China Relations: Key Measures in 2023

Exploring Bilateral Agreements and Their Significance

Strengthening India-China Relations: Key Measures in 2023

  • 06 Feb, 2025
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Strengthening India-China Relations: Key Measures in 2023

In recent discussions, India and China have agreed on several key measures aimed at repairing and enhancing their bilateral ties. These steps include the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, the restoration of direct flights, and the sharing of trans-border river data.

Measures to Enhance Bilateral Ties

Several measures have been agreed upon by both nations to foster better relations:

  • Resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2025
  • Restoring direct flights that were suspended during the pandemic
  • Issuing visas for journalists from both countries
  • Sharing crucial data regarding trans-border rivers

Significance of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is not merely a pilgrimage; it holds profound cultural and spiritual significance for Indian pilgrims. Its resumption is a vital step towards rebuilding mutual trust and cooperation after its suspension in 2020.

Update on Direct Flights

Prior to the pandemic, there were around 539 direct flights operating annually between India and China. The agreement to restore these flights marks a significant improvement in connectivity and people-to-people relations.

Trans-Border River Data Sharing

Both nations have decided to hold early meetings under the India-China Expert Level Mechanism. This initiative will focus on sharing vital river data, particularly concerning significant rivers like the Brahmaputra, thereby enhancing collaborative efforts in managing shared water resources.

Omissions in Statements

Despite these agreements, notable omissions exist in the official statements. For instance, India did not mention China's support for its presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Furthermore, trade issues, including market access and tariff barriers, were not highlighted in China's statement, raising questions about the depth of economic cooperation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What are the key measures agreed upon by India and China to repair bilateral ties?
Answer: The measures include resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in 2025, restoring direct flights, issuing visas for journalists, and sharing trans-border river data.

Q2. What is the significance of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in bilateral relations?
Answer: The Yatra holds cultural and spiritual importance for Indian pilgrims. Its resumption reflects an attempt to rebuild mutual trust and cooperation after its suspension in 2020.

Q3. What is the update on direct flights between the two countries?
Answer: The two sides agreed to resume direct flights, which were halted during the pandemic. Before 2020, as many as 539 flights operated between India and China annually.

Q4. What is the agreement on trans-border river data?
Answer: Both nations agreed to hold early meetings of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism, focusing on sharing river data, particularly on rivers like the Brahmaputra.

Q5. What notable silences or omissions exist in the statements?
Answer: India did not mention China’s support for its presidency of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO). Similarly, trade issues, such as market access and tariff barriers, were not emphasized in China’s statement.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What is a significant cultural event agreed upon by India and China to resume?
A) Buddha Purnima
B) Kailash Mansarovar Yatra
C) Diwali Festival
D) Holi Festival
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: How many direct flights operated annually between India and China before the pandemic?
A) 539
B) 400
C) 250
D) 300
Correct Answer: A

Question 3: Which river's data sharing is part of the India-China agreement?
A) Ganges
B) Yamuna
C) Brahmaputra
D) Godavari
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: What aspect of trade was notably absent in the recent discussions?
A) Market access
B) Export tariffs
C) Import regulations
D) None of the above
Correct Answer: A

Question 5: What is the primary focus of the India-China Expert Level Mechanism?
A) Economic trade
B) Military cooperation
C) River data sharing
D) Cultural exchange
Correct Answer: C

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