India, China resume Nathu La border trade after six-year hiatus
Border trade via Nathu La had first begun on July 6, 2006, however, it was suspended during the COVID-19 pandemic
India and China on Saturday resumed border trade through the strategic Nathu La Pass in Sikkim after a six-year hiatus, implementing last year's agreement to reopen border trading routes as part of efforts to normalise bilateral ties.
The resumption follows the understanding reached during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to New Delhi last year, when both sides agreed to reopen border trade through the three designated trading points -- Nathu La in Sikkim, Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh -- as part of a broader roadmap to restore engagement after years of strained relations.
The reopening of the historic Silk Route comes weeks after the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nathu La, underlining the gradual restoration of people-to-people exchanges and border connectivity between the two neighbours.
Trade through Nathu La resumed in July 2006 after remaining shut for 44 years following the 1962 India-China war. It was suspended again in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and the subsequent deterioration in bilateral ties.
An inaugural ceremony was held at No Man's Land between the border gates of India and China, where officials from the Government of Sikkim and the Tibet Autonomous Region exchanged gifts before formally declaring the 2026 trade season open.
Under the mutually agreed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), border trade will be conducted from May to November each year, with trading taking place from Monday to Thursday. Both sides will continue to trade the existing list of 36 notified items.
Officials said only a limited number of trade passes had been issued in the initial phase, although up to 400 registered traders can be permitted during a trading season.
The Integrated Check Post at Nathu La, which had deteriorated during the prolonged closure and harsh Himalayan winters, has been refurbished ahead of the reopening.
Security arrangements have also been strengthened, with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police deploying additional personnel, including an all-women contingent for the first time.
India is permitted to export 36 notified items, including handicrafts, handloom products, blankets, agricultural implements, processed food, dry vegetables, herbs and spices, ready-made garments, utensils and traditional religious articles.
Imports from the Tibetan side include ready-made garments, footwear, yak products, butter, borax, goats, quilts and other authorised goods.
Addressing the inaugural function, Sikkim Commerce and Industries Minister TT Bhutia described the resumption of border trade as a "historic milestone" that would strengthen the state's economy, generate employment and create fresh livelihood opportunities.
He said the reopening complements the Centre's Act East Policy, PM Gati Shakti and Viksit Bharat initiatives while reinforcing Sikkim's role as a strategic gateway for trade, tourism and regional connectivity.
The minister also said the state government has urged the Directorate General of Foreign Trade to expand the list of tradable items and increase the trade volume to create greater opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Officials said infrastructure restoration began on a war footing after the Centre communicated its decision late last year, enabling the state to prepare for the current trading season.
