Guwahati: The historic Nathu La Pass reopened for border trade between India and China on Friday after remaining closed for six years, marking the revival of commerce along the ancient Silk Route and raising expectations of renewed economic activity in Sikkim’s border regions.
The 2026 border trade season was formally inaugurated at No Man’s Land along the India-China border, where officials from the Government of Sikkim and China’s Tibet Autonomous Region exchanged gifts before declaring the trade route open. The main inauguration ceremony was later held at the Sherathang Trade Mart.
Speaking at the event, Sikkim Commerce and Industries Minister T.T. Bhutia described the reopening as a significant milestone for the state, saying it would strengthen the local economy, generate employment and create new livelihood opportunities for border communities.
Bhutia said the resumption of border trade complements the recent revival of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nathu La and reinforces Sikkim’s strategic importance under the Centre’s Act East Policy, PM Gati Shakti and Viksit Bharat initiatives.
He added that the reopening would provide registered traders with greater opportunities to market Sikkim’s handloom and handicraft products, organic produce and other approved items. The minister also said the state government has approached the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to expand the list of tradable goods and increase the volume of cross-border trade.
MLA Pamin Lepcha called for the benefits of the revived trade to reach border residents, small traders, transporters and local entrepreneurs, while stressing the need for strict adherence to the existing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).
Commerce and Industries Secretary Karma D. Youtso said the reopening followed months of restoration work after the trade route remained shut since the COVID-19 pandemic. She said the revival is expected to improve regional connectivity, strengthen economic cooperation and open new opportunities for local businesses.
During the inaugural programme, the government distributed Border Trade Passes and allotted cafeterias to eligible beneficiaries. Authorities also declared Nathu La and Sherathang as plastic-free zones and directed traders and visitors to carry back all plastic waste.
Border trade through Nathu La was first resumed in 2006 after a 44-year suspension following the 1962 India-China war. Its reopening after the pandemic is expected to restore a vital trade link for Sikkim and revive one of the Himalayan region’s oldest commercial corridors.