Nathu La border trade resumes after 6 years

ISABELLA GURUNG

NATHU LA, : After a gap of six years, the historic Nathu La border trade between India and China resumed on Friday, marking the revival of one of the oldest trade routes connecting Sikkim with Tibet's Chumbi Valley through the ancient Silk Route.

The reopening comes after the trade was suspended in 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The route had originally been reopened for limited border trade on July 6, 2006, after remaining shut since the 1962 Sino Indian War.

The day began with Indian and Chinese officials, along with traders from both sides, exchanging gifts, khadas and border trade permits at the Nathu La Gate. Although no commercial transactions took place, the ceremonial exchange formally marked the beginning of a new trading season.

An inaugural programme was later held at Sherathang, attended by Commerce and Industries Minister TT Bhutia as the chief guest, MLA Pamin Lepcha as the guest of honour, MLAs Delay Namgyal Barfungpa and Sonam Tshering Venchungpa, cabinet ministers, senior government officials, representatives of the Indian Army, Indo Tibetan Border Police, Sashastra Seema Bal, Customs, Sikkim Police and members of the trading community.

Addressing the gathering, Commerce and Industries Minister TT Bhutia described the reopening as a historic milestone for Sikkim.

"Today is a day of great pride for all of us. The resumption of border trade is not just the reopening of a trade route, it is the reopening of new opportunities for our traders, entrepreneurs, transporters, local businesses and the people of Sikkim. It is also a symbol of friendship, cooperation and progress," he said.

Calling Nathu La an integral part of Sikkim's history, the minister said the pass had connected people, cultures and commerce across the Himalayas for centuries. He credited both the Government of India and the Government of Sikkim for making the reopening possible.

The reopening of border trade is the result of the close cooperation between the Government of India and the Government of Sikkim, he said.

Bhutia also highlighted that the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the same route has further enhanced Nathu La's significance.

"This highlights the growing importance of Nathu La as a gateway for trade, tourism, cultural exchange and spiritual travel," he said.

The minister thanked the Indian Army, ITBP, Customs, Sikkim Police, district administration and all stakeholders for their efforts in restoring the trade route.

Congratulating the trading community, he said, "Your patience, determination and confidence have kept alive the spirit of border trade. I am sure you will make the best use of this opportunity and contribute to the growth of our Sikkim."

He urged traders to promote local products, support entrepreneurs and create employment while ensuring environmental conservation.

"The reopening of Nathu La border trade is only the beginning. We must now work together to make full use of this opportunity. We should encourage trade, promote local products, support our entrepreneurs, create jobs for our youth and develop tourism and allied sectors while protecting the fragile Himalayan environment," he said.

Bhutia recalled how traders from both countries reunited at No Man's Land after waiting for six years.

"Although today was a No Trade Day, traders from both sides exchanged khadas and gifts and renewed old relationships. It was an emotional moment after such a long gap," he said.

The minister said the revival of border trade would significantly benefit Sikkim's tourism sector as well.

"Tourism is our main source of income. If border trade and the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra continue smoothly, hotels, homestays, taxi operators, farmers and many others will benefit," he said.

He appealed to traders to maintain discipline as the route represents an international border.

"Any negative behaviour can send the wrong message and damage this trade route. I urge traders to preserve the dignity of this international trade and promote Sikkim's own products such as handloom, handicrafts and organic produce," he added.

Bhutia also appealed for unity among the people of the state.

"Rather than arguing about who belongs to which area, let us work together as one Sikkimese community."

MLA Pamin Lepcha described the reopening as an emotional moment for the people living in the border villages.

"Nathu La has never been just a mountain pass. It is a symbol of history, friendship, resilience and economic cooperation. For centuries, traders from both sides crossed these mountains carrying not only goods but also trust, culture and human relationships," she said.

She stressed that border residents should receive priority benefits from the revived trade.

"For the people of surrounding border villages, this trade resumption has a special meaning. It is only appropriate that the benefits of this trade reach the genuine border residents," she said.

"While giving clearance to trade passes, the concerned authorities may have to draw the line to forbid retailers from the main city. They already have a pricing advantage and when they trade directly alongside small border area traders, these small traders are placed at a disadvantage, which goes against the very purpose of border trade."

She welcomed the Standard Operating Procedures that recognise border residents as the primary beneficiaries.

"I sincerely hope this principle will be implemented in both letter and spirit so that our local traders, transporters, labourers, entrepreneurs and youth become the primary beneficiaries," she said.

Commerce and Industries Secretary Karma D. Youtso presented a detailed report on the reopening process and the extensive preparations undertaken by the State government.

She informed that once communication regarding the reopening was received from the Government of India last year, the State government immediately initiated restoration work at Sherathang Trade Mart, the Integrated Check Post and other public facilities.

"Since trade had remained suspended for six years, the infrastructure had deteriorated considerably. Winter snowfall delayed the repair works, but once the weather improved, all departments worked on a war footing to complete the necessary infrastructure before the reopening," she said.

Youtso thanked the Indian Army, ITBP, traders, contractors and the engineering teams for completing the work in time.She also acknowledged the leadership of Chief Minister PS Golay.

"Without the guidance and leadership of our CM, we would not have had the courage to move forward with the reopening. His vision was always to ensure that traders and the people of Sikkim benefit from this trade."

Highlighting the economic significance of the trade route, Youtso said the reopening would create fresh opportunities for traders, entrepreneurs, transporters and local businesses while strengthening Sikkim's position as India's gateway to the Himalayan region.

She also announced that the stretch between Nathu La and Sherathang has officially been declared a Plastic-Free Zone.

"We have issued a notification declaring the trade area from Nathu La to Sherathang a Plastic Free Zone. Traders from both sides must ensure that any plastic brought into the area is carried back and not discarded here. This initiative is aimed at protecting the fragile Himalayan environment while promoting sustainable trade," she said.

Industries Special Secretary and Director Choden Gyatso, in her welcome address, said, "this moment belongs to the border communities of Sikkim, the traders whose family businesses have waited patiently through this closure and the people whose land and hospitality make this trade possible," she said.

She credited the reopening to sustained coordination between the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Ministry of External Affairs, the Government of India and the Government of Sikkim.

She also pointed out that Nathu La is significant not only for trade but also as the route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

"This route serves as a passage for the sacred Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, offering pilgrims a shorter and more accessible path. As border trade resumes, we see a natural synergy between the movement of goods and pilgrims, both reaffirming Sikkim's place as a vital bridge in the region," she said.

She added that the State government remained committed to strengthening infrastructure and hospitality for both traders and pilgrims.

During the programme, border trade passes were distributed to eligible traders and cafeteria allotment orders were handed over to local beneficiaries.