Nathu La Border Trade with China to Resume from 1 August After Six Years

1 August 2026National

India and China are set to resume border trade through the Nathu La Pass in East Sikkim from 1 August 2026, ending a six-year suspension that began in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and border tensions. A trial run was held on 30 July. Border trade via Nathu La was formally revived in 2006 (after being shut since the 1962 India-China war) and typically operates May-November. The reopening follows the 24th round of the India-China Special Representatives' dialogue (August 2025), where both sides agreed to resume trade through Nathu La (Sikkim), Shipki La (Himachal Pradesh) and Lipulekh (Uttarakhand).

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Nathu La is on the ancient Silk Route | Sikkim Capital: Gangtok; CM: Prem Singh Tamang (Golay) | Sikkim became India's 22nd state in 1975 | Altitude: ~4,310 m

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India-China border trade via the Nathu La Pass (East Sikkim) resumes from 1 August 2026 after a six-year (since 2020) suspension, following the 2025 Special Representatives' dialogue.

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