Guwahati: Border trade through the historic Nathula Pass along the India-China frontier is set to resume on August 1, 2026, ending a suspension of more than six years and offering a significant boost to Sikkim’s border economy, according to highly placed sources.
Situated in East Sikkim, Nathula served as a vital trading corridor on the ancient Silk Route for centuries. Cross-border commerce through the pass was revived in 2006 after remaining shut since the 1962 India-China war. However, trade was suspended again in 2020 following the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The decision to reopen the route stems from the 24th round of the India-China Special Representatives’ dialogue held in August 2025. The meeting, co-chaired by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, resulted in an agreement to restore border trade through three Himalayan passes-Nathula in Sikkim, Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh, and Lipulekh in Uttarakhand.
Earlier this year, Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang had informed the State Assembly that trading activities were likely to restart from June 1. However, sources now say the reopening has been scheduled for August 1.
The revival of trade is expected to benefit nearly 600 registered Indian traders who rely on the Nathula route for cross-border business, while also providing fresh momentum to the local economy.
The move follows the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nathula earlier this year, which reopened after a five-year hiatus.
Meanwhile, work is progressing on a new highway connecting Rongli and Menla to improve access to Nathula and other areas along the Indo-Tibet border. The project is expected to strengthen both commercial connectivity and strategic infrastructure in the region.