India and China will resume border trade through Nathu La Pass (East Sikkim) from 1 August 2026 after a suspension from 2020.
Nathu La Pass: Location & history
- Location: Mountain pass in East Sikkim on the India–China border.
- Historic link: Part of routes historically associated with the Silk Road.
- Reopening: Border trade at Nathu La was reopened in 2006 after earlier closure.
Trade modality & calendar
- Type of trade: Designated border trade under bilateral arrangements, distinct from India’s regular international trade.
- Users: Frontier traders and local border communities.
- Trade season: Typically permitted about six months annually (May–November).
- Suspension: Route remained suspended from 2020 to 2026 due to pandemic and border tensions.
Other routes & connectivity
- Other designated point: Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand is the other India–China border trade route.
- Rail link: The 45‑km Sivok–Rangpo railway is nearing completion, with plans for further extension towards Nathu La.
IASPOINT Booster Facts
- Designation: India–China border trade is conducted only through mutually designated passes under bilateral agreements.
- Operational window: Nathu La’s usual operational months reflect seasonal accessibility constraints in high Himalayan passes.