India and China to Resume Border Trade via Nathu La Pass on August 1

India and China have agreed to restart border trade through the historic Nathu La Pass in East Sikkim beginning August 1, ending a six‑year suspension that began during the Covid‑19 pandemic. The trade route, which operates seasonally from May to November, is one of three designated points – the others being Lipulekh and Shipki La – that the two neighbours plan to reopen under a renewed understanding announced by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs.

Officials said the resumption is expected to benefit traders and border‑area communities in Sikkim and neighbouring Chinese regions, bolstering bilateral economic ties. The move coincides with ongoing infrastructure upgrades, including the near‑completion of the Sivok‑Rangpo railway line and the widening of National Highway 717A, aimed at improving connectivity to the border.

High‑level diplomatic contacts have reinforced the initiative, with India’s Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri meeting Chinese Vice‑Minister Hua Chunying in Beijing to discuss maintaining peace and advancing trade, cultural, and people‑to‑people exchanges.