NEW DELHI (Diya TV) — India and Pakistan have renewed their bilateral agreement on Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for five more years, which can be considered to be one of the big strides in the facilitation of pilgrimage to all the Sikh devotees. The extension of the pact testifies to the commitment of both nations toward strengthening religious tourism and further strengthening people-to-people relations across the border.

Reports say the development of the corridor came following a meeting of Indian and Pakistani officials. They discussed a host of aspects of the corridor’s operations and management at the meeting. The Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor was opened in November 2019 and enables Sikh pilgrims from India to visit the revered Sri Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan without a visa. The gurdwara is about four kilometers from the border and holds sacred significance since it marks the final resting place of Guru Nanak, the founder of Sikhism.

Indian Home Minister Amit Shah hailed the latest agreement, terming the Kartarpur Corridor a symbol of peace and brotherhood between the two countries. “We will ensure that Sikh pilgrims can easily and safely visit this sacred site,” he said.

The renewed accord continues cooperation by both sides regarding the operational design of the corridor, including planning for unimpeded transit of devotees as well as the security and facilitation arrangement. It has been agreed to improve infrastructure on either side and make necessary arrangements for augmented visitors, especially during religious events or anniversaries related to Guru Nanak.

Pakistan Minister of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony, Noor-ul-Haq Qadri, welcomed the renewal of the agreement and said the corridor would encourage peace and understanding among India and Pakistan. “We look forward to welcoming more Sikh pilgrims to Kartarpur Sahib as we continue to strengthen our bilateral ties through faith and shared heritage,” said Qadri.

The Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor has been a great development for the Sikh community since it has given them direct access to one of their most sacred sites. Thousands of devotees have visited the site since it opened, particularly during key religious observances like Gurpurab and Baisakhi.

The pilgrims have welcomed this initiative, pointing out how it enables them to reach their spiritual roots without going through otherwise problematic visa processes. Beyond being an enabler for religious ties, the corridor has triggered a much broader conversation on reconciliation between the two neighboring nations.

The renewed agreement and its ensuing implementation is expected to bring both governments to further actions in several sectors, like culture, trade and tourism.

Amidst the crises that mark India-Pakistan relations, this effort is a reminder of the possibility for dialogue and cooperation.