Marking a significant diplomatic step forward, India and China announced measures to rebuild strained relations following their disengagement process in November. In a meeting between Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri and top Chinese officials, including Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both nations agreed to restore key bilateral exchanges.

The decisions include resuming the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra in summer 2025, restarting direct flights between New Delhi and Beijing, and issuing visas for journalists and think tanks. A commitment was also made to resume talks on hydrological data sharing, essential for managing trans-border rivers.

These agreements follow the October meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Xi Jinping in Kazan, where both leaders emphasized rebuilding ties. The Ministry of External Affairs noted the steps were aimed at stabilizing relations and fostering people-to-people connections.

Interestingly, China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized avoiding “mutual suspicion, estrangement, and exhaustion,” contrasting India's diplomatic approach of “mutual respect, sensitivity, and interests.”

With the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025, both sides plan commemorative events to promote public diplomacy and trust. However, discussions omitted specific timelines for resolving the border standoff along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), a lingering issue since 2020.

The meeting reflects cautious optimism, as both countries recognize the importance of stable relations for the region's peace and prosperity. The coming year will test whether these measures can translate into tangible improvements in ties.