Nathula Pass Reopens After Six Years, Traders Push for Broader Goods List
Border commerce through the historic Nathula Pass in East Sikkim restarted on Saturday after a six-year suspension, and merchants are urging officials to widen the range of permitted items.
After nearly six years of inactivity, the Nathula Pass linking India and China in East Sikkim reopened for cross-border trade on Saturday, with officials from both sides participating in a formal ceremony. The route, part of the ancient Silk Route, has long been limited to a small selection of traditional commodities. Gupta, speaking on behalf of the trading community, argued that the existing list no longer meets contemporary commercial demands and urged the inclusion of industrial and other relevant products.
Around three hundred traders are currently pending trade passes, as officials continue to review submitted applications. The revival of this corridor is expected to boost regional commerce, though merchants hope for a broader goods roster to maximize benefits.
Why it matters
Reopening the Nathula corridor revives a key India-China trade link, affecting regional economies and future commercial policies.
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