Border Trade Via Sikkim's Nathu La To Resume On August 1 After 6-year Hiatus

Border trade between India and China through the Nathu La Pass in Sikkim will resume on August 1, after a six-year hiatus since the COVID-19 pandemic, the state's Commerce and Industries Department officials said on Tuesday.

The reopening is expected to revive economic activities and restore a crucial source of livelihood for registered traders and border communities that have been affected by the prolonged closure since 2020.

The Nathu La trade route has long served as an important economic link, facilitating the exchange of notified goods between registered traders from both countries.

"A formal programme will be held at Nathula on August 1 to mark the resumption of trading activities after the six-year gap," an official said, adding that officials from both India and China will attend the event.

"The reopening of border trade through Nathu La is a significant development for Sikkim. It will help revive economic activities, benefit registered traders, and strengthen traditional cross-border trade through this historic route," another official said.

Border trade through the historic Old Silk Route at Nathu La had formally been reopened on July 6, 2006, after a gap of 44 years, raising high hopes of strengthening bilateral ties and boosting trade between the two neighbouring nations.

The trade route was officially operational for approximately six months each year, from May to November.