By Sitaram Mewati
India and China have resumed border trade through the historic Nathu La Pass in Sikkim after a six-year suspension, reopening a key Himalayan trade corridor expected to boost commerce, tourism and livelihoods in the border state.
The trade route, which had remained closed since 2020 following the Covid-19 pandemic, reopened on Saturday with an inaugural ceremony attended by Sikkim Commerce and Industries Minister Tshering T. Bhutia, legislators and senior government officials.
The resumption of trade is expected to generate fresh opportunities for traders, transporters and small businesses while reviving economic activity in East Sikkim. Nathu La has historically served as an important commercial link between India and China and remains one of the few officially designated border trading points between the two countries.
Addressing the gathering, Bhutia described the reopening as a significant milestone and credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang for their efforts in restoring cross-border trade. He said the state government had consistently pursued the issue with the Centre to revive economic activity and create new opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
The minister said the Sikkim government has submitted a proposal to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) seeking to expand the existing list of tradable goods. At present, around 35 categories of items, including handicrafts, handloom products, traditional religious articles and ready-made garments, are permitted under the border trade arrangement.
This year, 38 registered traders have been issued permits to participate in cross-border trade through Nathu La. Bhutia expressed confidence that the reopening would not only strengthen local businesses but also provide a boost to tourism and employment in the region.
Situated at an altitude of more than 14,000 feet in East Sikkim, Nathu La is both a strategic mountain pass and a popular tourist attraction. Border trade will operate from Monday to Thursday until November under the existing bilateral trade framework.
The reopening of the historic trade route marks an important step in reviving economic activity in the region and is expected to strengthen local livelihoods while reinforcing the long-standing commercial relationship between India and China.
Editor in Chief : Mewati SItaram
