India and China have resumed border trade through the historic Nathu La Pass in East Sikkim, marking an important step in improving bilateral engagement. The trade route reopened on Saturday after remaining closed for six years following the COVID-19 pandemic. The reopening of the old Silk Route signals a gradual revival of cross-border economic activities and reflects efforts by both countries to strengthen cooperation.

Border trade through Nathu La first began on July 6, 2006. Authorities suspended trade operations in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. With the reopening, traders from both sides can once again use the historic route to exchange approved goods. The development has raised hopes for increased trade and stronger economic ties between India and China.

The trading season will continue for six months every year, from May to November, under the mutually agreed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs). Trading activities will take place from Monday to Thursday. India and China will continue to follow the existing list of 36 approved commodities that traders can exchange through the border route.

Officials have restored and upgraded the infrastructure at the Nathu La Integrated Check Post before restarting trade operations. The facilities had suffered damage during the long closure and the harsh Himalayan winters. Authorities completed refurbishment work and made the check post fully operational to support the return of cross-border trade.

Security arrangements have also received a major boost ahead of the reopening. The Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) has deployed additional personnel at Nathu La to ensure smooth and secure trade operations. For the first time, the force has also stationed an all-women platoon at the border to assist with trade-related activities. The enhanced deployment aims to improve security while facilitating the movement of traders.

The reopening of Nathu La carries historical significance. The route remained closed for 44 years after the 1962 India-China war. India and China reopened it in July 2006 as part of efforts to improve mutual trust and strengthen economic cooperation. The decision also aimed to create better livelihood opportunities for people living in border areas by promoting local trade and business activities.

Trade operations and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nathu La came to a halt in 2020 during the COVID-19 outbreak. The suspension affected traders, pilgrims and local businesses that depended on cross-border movement. The latest decision restores another important link between the two countries and marks the return of an important trade corridor.

The reopening follows the recent resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nathu La. The return of both pilgrimage and trade activities has created optimism that normal cross-border exchanges are gradually returning. The developments indicate steady progress in restoring people-to-people contact and economic engagement through the border route.

Under the existing trade protocol, Indian traders can export 36 approved items to the Tibetan side. These include handicrafts, handloom products, blankets, agricultural tools, processed food items, dry vegetables, spices, ready-made garments, utensils and traditional religious articles. The approved list remains unchanged under the current arrangement.

India will import several approved products from Tibet through the same route. These include ready-made garments, shoes, yak products, butter, borax, goats, quilts and other permitted goods. The continuation of the existing commodity list ensures that trade resumes under the same framework that both countries had followed before the suspension.

Officials said the trading season allows authorities to issue permits to as many as 400 traders. However, only a limited number of permits have received clearance so far. District authorities and the State Intelligence Branch are carrying out the verification process before issuing additional passes. Officials expect more traders to receive permission in the coming weeks after completing the required checks.

The revival of border trade through Nathu La is expected to benefit traders, local businesses and residents living in the border region. The reopening restores one of the oldest trade routes connecting India and Tibet and strengthens economic engagement between the two neighbouring countries. The move also reflects continued efforts to revive cross-border exchanges through established mechanisms while maintaining security and operational standards.