On October 22, 2024, India and Pakistan agreed to extend the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor agreement for another five years, ensuring uninterrupted visa-free travel for Indian pilgrims to Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated calls for Pakistan to waive the $20 service charge imposed on each visitor, responding to ongoing requests from pilgrims. This corridor has facilitated over 250,000 pilgrimages since its opening in November 2019 and is viewed as a significant step towards peace between the two nations.
Details of the Agreement
The MEA confirmed that the extension will allow continued access for Indian devotees to the historic gurdwara, where Guru Nanak Dev spent his final years. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar emphasized the Indian government’s commitment to supporting Sikh pilgrimages and urged Pakistan to eliminate the service charge. The corridor permits daily visits for up to 5,000 Indian nationals, highlighting its importance for the Sikh community. Since its inauguration, nearly 250,000 pilgrims have utilized this route, with a notable increase in visitors over the past few years.
Background Context
Initially signed on October 24, 2019, the agreement aimed to facilitate pilgrimages from India to Pakistan via a dedicated corridor. Despite challenges such as temporary closures due to the COVID-19 pandemic and flooding incidents that affected pilgrim movements, usage has steadily grown. In 2023 alone, over 96,000 devotees visited through this corridor. Recent infrastructure improvements on both sides have enhanced accessibility, although actual daily visits remain lower than the permitted number.
Questions and Answers
- What is the significance of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor?
The corridor is crucial as it allows Indian Sikhs to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, where Guru Nanak spent his last years. It represents a significant step towards improving relations between India and Pakistan through cultural and religious exchange. - What are the main concerns raised by Indian officials regarding the corridor?
Indian officials have repeatedly urged Pakistan to eliminate the $20 service charge imposed on pilgrims, which has been a point of contention since its inception. - How many pilgrims have used the corridor since its opening?
Since its opening in November 2019, approximately 250,000 pilgrims have visited through the corridor. The number of visitors has seen growth year-on-year, with around 96,555 pilgrims recorded in 2023. - What infrastructure supports this pilgrimage route?
The corridor includes a four-lane highway from Dera Baba Nanak to Zero Point at the border and a state-of-the-art passenger terminal with over 50 immigration counters on the Indian side. - What recent diplomatic activities preceded this agreement?
The announcement follows External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar’s visit to Islamabad for a Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) meeting—his first visit in nine years—indicating a thaw in relations that could facilitate further cooperation.
The Logical Indian’s Perspective
The renewal of the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor agreement is a hopeful sign of cooperation between India and Pakistan. This extension not only facilitates spiritual journeys but also underscores the need for dialogue and understanding between communities divided by borders. As we celebrate this positive development, we must advocate for the removal of barriers such as service charges that hinder access to sacred sites. How can we further promote peace and coexistence in our region? Share your thoughts below!
