Good momentum with India

China's opening of the Nathu La border point on Monday is not just a boon for Indians making a pilgrimage to the sacred religious sites of Mount Kangrinboqe and Mapam Yumco Lake in the Tibet autonomous region. It is also a sign of improvement in relations between China and India, the two most populous and largest developing countries in the world.

For Indian pilgrims to the lake, the journey used to take more than 20 days on donkey or horseback through rugged terrain some 5,800 meters above sea level. It was very difficult for elderly pilgrims and those in poor physical condition. With the opening of the Nathu La Pass, pilgrims will be able to take a bus for half of the journey and the entire trip will be cut by eight to 10 days.

This is just one of the things both sides are doing to promote amicability after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to China in the middle of May.