India, China to Resume Nathu La Border Trade from August 1

Key facts

• Border trade through the Nathu La Pass between India and China will resume on 1 August 2026, ending a suspension of over six years.
• Trade was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
• The decision to reopen followed the 24th round of the India-China Special Representatives' dialogue held in August 2025.
• The dialogue was co-chaired by National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
• The agreement covers restoration of border trade through three Himalayan passes: Nathu La (Sikkim), Shipki La (Himachal Pradesh), and Lipulekh (Uttarakhand).
• Cross-border commerce through Nathu La was initially revived in 2006 after remaining closed since the 1962 India-China war.
• The resumption is expected to benefit nearly 600 registered Indian traders and boost Sikkim's border economy.
• The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nathu La had already resumed earlier in 2026 after a five-year hiatus.
• Work is progressing on a new highway connecting Rongli and Menla to improve access to Nathu La and the Indo-Tibet border.