India, Pakistan Renew Kartarpur Corridor Agreement

October 24, 2024

India and Pakistan agreed to extend the Kartarpur Corridor agreement for another five years. This corridor allows Indian pilgrims to visit the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan. The initial agreement was signed on October 24, 2019, during Imran Khan’s tenure as Prime Minister of Pakistan. The extension aims to ensure smooth access for Sikh pilgrims despite ongoing tensions between the two nations.

What is the Kartarpur Corridor?

The Kartarpur Corridor is a visa-free passage that connects India to the Kartarpur Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan. This site is for Sikhs as it is where Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism, spent his final years. The corridor was established to promote religious tourism and strengthen ties between the two countries.

Initial Agreement and Its Purpose

The original agreement, signed in 2019, aimed to encourage goodwill and build confidence between India and Pakistan. It allowed Indian citizens to visit the Gurudwara without a visa, facilitating easier access for pilgrims. The agreement was valid for five years, which is why the recent renewal is crucial.

Renewal of the Agreement

The renewal was announced by India’s Ministry of External Affairs. It extends the operation of the corridor until 2029. This decision ensures uninterrupted access for Indian pilgrims to the holy site. The announcement followed a recent visit by India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar, to Pakistan for a regional meeting.

Communication Between India and Pakistan

The successful renewal of the agreement indicates that communication channels between India and Pakistan remain open. Jaishankar’s visit marked the first by an Indian Foreign Minister in nine years. He met with Pakistani leaders, including Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif, to discuss various issues, including the corridor.

Service Fee Controversy

Despite the renewal, an important point of contention remains. Pakistan charges a service fee of $20 per pilgrim. India has repeatedly requested that this fee be waived. The Pakistani government argues that the fee is necessary to cover the costs of maintaining the corridor and refurbishing the Gurudwara.

Challenges in Pilgrim Numbers

Currently, the number of pilgrims visiting the Gurudwara is lower than the allowed quota. Pakistan permits up to 5,000 pilgrims daily, but actual numbers have dwindled to a few hundred. This decline raises concerns about the accessibility and popularity of the corridor among Indian Sikhs.

Significance for the Sikh Community

The Kartarpur Corridor holds immense importance for the Sikh community. It provides a direct link to one of their holiest sites. The Government of India has expressed its commitment to facilitating access to such religious sites, enhancing spiritual connections for Sikhs across the globe.

The extension of the corridor agreement is a positive step for religious tourism. It reflects a willingness to maintain dialogue and cooperation despite political tensions. The ongoing discussions about fees and pilgrim numbers will be crucial for future relations and the corridor’s success.

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