India-China cross-border trade resumes after 6 years

After a six-year hiatus, cross-border trade between India and China has officially resumed through key Himalayan passes: Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh, Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, and Nathu La in Sikkim. The suspension was initially due to the COVID-19 pandemic and subsequent strains in bilateral relations.

Reopening ceremonies marked the resumption of trade. In Sikkim, the Nathula pass saw participation from both nations, with seasonal trade scheduled from Monday to Thursday until November under the existing bilateral agreement. Thirty-eight traders have received passes to trade approximately 36 notified items, including handicrafts, handloom products, and religious articles.

In Himachal Pradesh, trade recommenced through Shipki La, an ancient Silk Road route. State minister Jagat Singh Negi flagged off 16 traders and their horses heading towards Tibet. Meanwhile, in Uttarakhand, 20 Indian traders crossed into China's Tibet Autonomous Region via the Lipulekh Pass. Their initial visit aims to assess available facilities and explore business opportunities, with Chinese authorities permitting entry only to traders who had left unsold goods in Tibet prior to the trade halt in 2019.

The border trade season is set to continue until the end of October, with a potential extension to November if both sides agree. Officials anticipate that this initial resumption will pave the way for the gradual revival of trading activities along these historic Himalayan routes.