Nathu La Pass To Reopen For India-China Border Trade From August 1
Sikkim: In a significant development, border trade between India and China through the historic Nathu La Pass in East Sikkim will resume on August 1, ending a six-year suspension that began during the Covid-19 pandemic. Border trade through the Old Silk Route at Nathu La had first reopened on July 6, 2006, with expectations of […]
Sikkim: In a significant development, border trade between India and China through the historic Nathu La Pass in East Sikkim will resume on August 1, ending a six-year suspension that began during the Covid-19 pandemic. Border trade through the Old Silk Route at Nathu La had first reopened on July 6, 2006, with expectations of strengthening bilateral relations and boosting trade between India and China. It was also expected to contribute to economic growth in the areas surrounding the Nathu La Pass on both sides of the border. The trade route officially remains open for about six months every year, from May to November. The resumption of trade is expected to benefit traders and border communities in the region, particularly in Sikkim, who were affected by the prolonged suspension. The Silk Road, also known as the Silk Route, was a historic network of trade routes connecting the East and the West. It facilitated the exchange of goods, culture and ideas between Asia, the Middle East and Europe. Rather than being a single route, it was a network of interconnected paths crossing deserts, mountains, plains and seas. Sikkim’s Silk Route is an offshoot of an ancient trade path from Lhasa. It passes through the Chumbi Valley and Nathu La Pass before ending at the port of Tamralipta (Tamluk in West Bengal). From Tamralipta, the route extends to destinations including Sri Lanka, Bali, Java and the Far East. India is also strengthening connectivity in the region through major infrastructure projects. The 45-km Sivok-Rangpo railway link is nearing completion, while the Indian Railways has started the final location survey for a proposed railway line connecting Gangtok with Nathu La. Road connectivity is also being enhanced through the Rongli-Menla road project and National Highway 717A. Earlier this year, the Centre allocated ₹770 crore to widen and upgrade NH717A for improved connectivity to the China border in Sikkim. In 2025, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra resumed through the Nathu La Pass. While the boundary dispute remains unresolved in several areas of Sikkim, the revival of trade at Nathu La marks an important development in India-China ties.