Nathula pass border trade resumes after 6 years; traders seek expansion of goods list
Border trade at the Nathula Pass between India and China has officially resumed after a six-year suspension due to the pandemic and geopolitical tensions. Local traders are now advocating for an expansion of the permitted goods list to include modern industrial products.
Why it matters
The reopening of this historic trade route serves as a symbolic and economic indicator of stabilizing relations between India and China.
Border trade through the Nathula Pass in East Sikkim, a key segment of the ancient Silk Route connecting India and China, resumed on Saturday after remaining suspended for nearly six years. A formal reopening ceremony was held at Nathula, with officials from both countries participating in the event.The trade route had remained closed since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic and subsequent border tensions between India and China.Welcoming the resumption of trade, Anil Gupta, General Secretary of the Indo-China Nathula Border Traders Welfare Association, thanked Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for his efforts in facilitating the reopening."I extend heartfelt thanks to our Chief Minister, Prem Singh Tamang. This has become possible today solely due to his efforts.
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