Nathula border trade resumes in Sikkim after six-year gap; traders seek more items
India and China have resumed border trade through Nathula Pass in Sikkim after six years. The reopening includes new trade passes, and traders are asking to add
India and China resumed border trade through the Nathula Pass in Sikkim on Saturday, reopening a historic trading corridor that had remained closed since 2020. The trade route has been shut for six years following the COVID-19 pandemic.
The reopening was marked by a ceremonial meeting at the Nathula border gate. Officials exchanged trade passes and traditional silk khadas in the no man’s land before the route was formally reopened. The passes were later handed over to traders during an inauguration programme at Sherathang near the border.
Officials and local traders attend inauguration
Sikkim’s Commerce and Industries Minister Tshering Thendup Bhutia and Gnathang-Machong MLA Pamin Lepcha attended the inauguration. Senior government officials, traders, and residents were also present as the programme began. The state government said the reopening reflects continued efforts to restore cross-border engagement.
Bhutia described the development as a significant milestone for Sikkim. He said border trade can strengthen the state’s economy and help local entrepreneurs. He also linked the reopening to improved India-China engagement, noting that the Nathula route is connected to the recent resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar yatra through Sikkim.
Traders demand expanded commodity list and higher daily limit as current rules are seen as outdated. The state government has urged the Government of India to modernise the framework by increasing the list of tradable commodities and raising the daily trade limit. At present, each registered trader is allowed to conduct business worth ₹2 lakh per day, a figure traders say does not match current market realities.
Next group of traders to cross
Commerce and Industries Secretary Karma D. Youtso said traders and residents had been waiting for the reopening since the trade was suspended in 2020. She said 25 traders are expected to cross into the Chinese side on Monday, with more permits to be issued for additional traders.
