“This extension ensures uninterrupted operation of Corridor, allowing Indian pilgrims continued access to this holy site in Pakistan.”

Kartarpur Corridor agreement latest news today: India and Pakistan have agreed to renew the Kartarpur Corridor agreement for another five years, ensuring continued access for Indian pilgrims to visit the revered Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur in Pakistan. The announcement comes just days after External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar visits Pakistan for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) meeting. However, the unresolved issue of Islamabad charging a $20 fee per pilgrim per visit continues to be a sticking point between the two nations.

The Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur, also known as Kartarpur Sahib, holds immense significance for Sikhs as it was the site where Guru Nanak Dev, the founder of Sikhism, spent the last 18 years of his life. Following the partition of India in 1947, the shrine fell on the Pakistan side of the border, leading to decades of demand from Indian Sikhs for access to the holy site, which is located in Pakistan’s Punjab Province.

In 2019, India and Pakistan signed an agreement to establish the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor, enabling Indian pilgrims to visit the Gurdwara without a visa. The initial agreement, signed for five years, has now been extended for another five-year term.

“The validity of the Agreement on Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor has been extended for a further period of five years through diplomatic channels,” the Ministry of External Affairs confirmed in a statement. “This extension ensures the uninterrupted operation of the Corridor, allowing Indian pilgrims continued access to this holy site in Pakistan.”

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar also took to social media platform X to share the news, stating, "India and Pakistan have renewed the agreement on Sri Kartarpur Sahib Corridor for the next five years. PM @narendramodi's government will continue to facilitate our Sikh community's access to their holy sites."

While the renewal of the agreement is a positive development for pilgrims, the contentious $20 fee imposed by Pakistan on each pilgrim remains a matter of concern. Despite the agreement, there has been no progress in resolving this issue, which has been a longstanding point of friction.

For now, the Kartarpur Corridor will continue to serve as a crucial link for Sikh pilgrims, offering them an opportunity to connect with one of their holiest sites, albeit with the fee issue still lingering.

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