New Delhi: Border trade between India and China through the historic Nathu La officially resumed on Saturday, marking the reopening of the ancient Silk Route after a six year suspension caused by the COVID 19 pandemic.
The resumption of trade through Nathu La, located in East Sikkim, is being seen as a significant step in improving bilateral engagement between the two neighbouring countries. Trade through the strategic mountain pass was first reopened on July 6, 2006, after remaining closed for 44 years following the 1962 India China war. It was suspended again in 2020 due to the pandemic.
Under the mutually agreed Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs), cross border trade will operate for six months each year, from May to November, with trading activities taking place from Monday to Thursday. Both countries will continue to trade the existing list of 36 approved commodities.
Authorities have completed refurbishment work at the Nathu La Integrated Check Post, restoring infrastructure that had deteriorated during the prolonged closure and harsh Himalayan winters. Security arrangements have also been strengthened for the reopening, with the Indo Tibetan Border Police> deploying additional personnel at the border. For the first time, an all women platoon has also been assigned to assist with border trade operations.
The reopening follows the recent revival of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Nathu La route, signalling a gradual restoration of cross border exchanges between India and China.
Under the existing trade protocol, Indian traders can export 36 approved products, including handicrafts, handloom items, blankets, agricultural tools, processed food, dry vegetables, spices, ready made garments, utensils and religious articles. Imports from the Tibetan side include ready made garments, footwear, yak products, butter, borax, goats, quilts and other authorised goods.
Although permits can be issued to as many as 400 traders during each trading season, officials said only a limited number have been cleared so far. Additional permits are expected to be issued after verification by district authorities and the State Intelligence Branch.
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