News & Announcement
Indo-China Border Trade via Nathula Reopens After Six Years
Gangtok, August 1 (IPR): The inaugural ceremony marking the reopening of the Indo-China Border Trade through Nathula was held today at No Man's Land, where the 2026 trade season was formally declared open.
The occasion was marked by an exchange of gifts between officials of the Government of Sikkim and the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) at No Man's Land between the border gates of India and China.
Following the formal reopening, the inaugural function was held at the Sherathang Trade Mart. The ceremony was graced by the Minister for Commerce and Industries, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Departments, Mr TT Bhutia, as the Chief Guest, while Area MLA-cum-Advisor for Social Welfare Department and the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Departments, Ms Pamin Lepcha, attended the event as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Mr TT Bhutia described the resumption of the Nathula Border Trade as a historic milestone that will strengthen Sikkim's economy, generate employment and create greater livelihood opportunities for its people. He said the reopening of the historic trade route aligns with the Government of India's vision under the Act East Policy, PM Gati Shakti and Viksit Bharat, further reinforcing Sikkim's role as a strategic gateway for trade, tourism and regional connectivity.
The Minister said the resumption of border trade, alongside the successful revival of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Nathula route, reflects the growing significance of the border pass as a hub for trade, tourism, cultural exchange and spiritual connectivity. He added that the Government of Sikkim, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, remains committed to strengthening infrastructure, promoting entrepreneurship and creating sustainable economic opportunities for the people.
Highlighting the benefits of the trade route, Mr TT Bhutia said it will provide registered traders with a valuable platform to market Sikkim's handloom products, handicrafts, organic produce and other notified commodities.
The Minister further informed that the Commerce & Industries Department has submitted a proposal to the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Government of India, seeking the inclusion of additional tradable items and an increase in trade volume to create greater opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi, the Government of India, the concerned Ministries, the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Customs authorities, Sikkim Police, the district administration and all stakeholders for facilitating the resumption of border trade, Mr TT Bhutia reaffirmed the Government of Sikkim's commitment to strengthening the Nathula Border Trade as a key driver of economic growth, employment generation and prosperity for the State.
In her address, MLA-cum-Advisor Ms Pamin Lepcha described the resumption of the Indo-China Border Trade through Nathula Pass as a historic milestone that revives the region's rich legacy of trade, cultural exchange and economic cooperation. She said the reopening holds special significance for the people of Gnathang and the surrounding border villages, acknowledging their resilience and contribution to safeguarding the nation's frontiers under challenging conditions.
Emphasising the need for inclusive growth, Ms Pamin Lepcha urged the concerned authorities to ensure that the benefits of border trade primarily reach genuine border residents and small local traders. She stressed that the Standard Operating Procedures should be implemented in both letter and spirit so that local traders, transporters, labourers, entrepreneurs and youth emerge as the primary beneficiaries.
She also appreciated the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang for his continued commitment to the welfare and development of border communities. Expressing confidence in the revival of the Nathula Border Trade, she said it would strengthen livelihoods, enhance economic cooperation and contribute to the overall development of the State.
Presenting a brief report on the resumption of the Indo-China Border Trade through Nathula, Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, Ms Karma D Youtso, said the trade has resumed after a six-year hiatus. Following communications from the Government of India late last year, infrastructure repair works were undertaken on a war footing to ensure readiness for the trade season.
She said the reopening marks a significant milestone reflecting the commitment of both the Government of India and the Government of Sikkim to strengthening border trade, advancing regional connectivity, promoting socio-economic development, particularly in border villages, and fostering peaceful cooperation in the region. She added that the resumption also carries significant economic potential by providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.
Ms Karma D Youtso further informed that, following the declaration of Nathula and Sherathang as plastic-free zones, a notification has been issued urging all stakeholders to carry back plastic waste after use.
The ceremony also witnessed the distribution of Border Trade Passes and allotment orders for cafeterias to beneficiaries by the dignitaries.
Renqinggang, located in Yadong County, about 16 km from Nathula Pass on the Tibet Autonomous Region side, serves as the designated trade mart for Indian traders. Similarly, Sherathang Trade Mart serves as the designated trade mart for traders of Chinese nationality under the bilateral border trade arrangement.
It may be recalled that India and China signed the Memorandum on Expanding Border Trade on June 23, 2003, permitting the use of Nathula for border trade between the two countries. Nathula is the third border trade point between India and China, the other two being Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh.
The modalities governing border trade are laid down in the Memorandum on the Resumption of Border Trade signed in December 1991 and the Protocol on Entry and Exit Procedures for Border Trade signed in July 1992. The provisions of both agreements are applicable to trade through Nathula.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Special Secretary-cum-Director, Commerce and Industries Department, Ms Choden Gyatso, while the Vote of Thanks was proposed by Joint Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, Mr Gopal Chettri.
Among those present at the inaugural ceremony were Minister for Printing & Stationery and Social Welfare, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Departments, Mr Samdup Lepcha, MLA-cum-Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies and Urban Development Departments, Mr Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, MLA Mr Sonam Venchungpa, Mayor, GMC, Ms Tshering Palden Bhutia, Press Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr Yougan Tamang, Advisors, Chairpersons, Secretaries and Heads of Departments, OSDs, Director, FT (S&MT) Division, Department of Commerce, Government of India, along with ADC Gangtok, police personnel, officials and officers of the Commerce and Industries Department, officials from various departments, officials of the Army and paramilitary forces, representatives of the Indo-China Border Traders Welfare Association, Nathula Border Trade Welfare Association, traders and other stakeholders.
The occasion was marked by an exchange of gifts between officials of the Government of Sikkim and the Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) at No Man's Land between the border gates of India and China.
Following the formal reopening, the inaugural function was held at the Sherathang Trade Mart. The ceremony was graced by the Minister for Commerce and Industries, Tourism, and Civil Aviation Departments, Mr TT Bhutia, as the Chief Guest, while Area MLA-cum-Advisor for Social Welfare Department and the Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Departments, Ms Pamin Lepcha, attended the event as the Guest of Honour.
Addressing the gathering, Minister Mr TT Bhutia described the resumption of the Nathula Border Trade as a historic milestone that will strengthen Sikkim's economy, generate employment and create greater livelihood opportunities for its people. He said the reopening of the historic trade route aligns with the Government of India's vision under the Act East Policy, PM Gati Shakti and Viksit Bharat, further reinforcing Sikkim's role as a strategic gateway for trade, tourism and regional connectivity.
The Minister said the resumption of border trade, alongside the successful revival of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Nathula route, reflects the growing significance of the border pass as a hub for trade, tourism, cultural exchange and spiritual connectivity. He added that the Government of Sikkim, under the leadership of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang, remains committed to strengthening infrastructure, promoting entrepreneurship and creating sustainable economic opportunities for the people.
Highlighting the benefits of the trade route, Mr TT Bhutia said it will provide registered traders with a valuable platform to market Sikkim's handloom products, handicrafts, organic produce and other notified commodities.
The Minister further informed that the Commerce & Industries Department has submitted a proposal to the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Government of India, seeking the inclusion of additional tradable items and an increase in trade volume to create greater opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Expressing gratitude to Prime Minister Mr Narendra Modi, the Government of India, the concerned Ministries, the Indian Army, the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP), Customs authorities, Sikkim Police, the district administration and all stakeholders for facilitating the resumption of border trade, Mr TT Bhutia reaffirmed the Government of Sikkim's commitment to strengthening the Nathula Border Trade as a key driver of economic growth, employment generation and prosperity for the State.
In her address, MLA-cum-Advisor Ms Pamin Lepcha described the resumption of the Indo-China Border Trade through Nathula Pass as a historic milestone that revives the region's rich legacy of trade, cultural exchange and economic cooperation. She said the reopening holds special significance for the people of Gnathang and the surrounding border villages, acknowledging their resilience and contribution to safeguarding the nation's frontiers under challenging conditions.
Emphasising the need for inclusive growth, Ms Pamin Lepcha urged the concerned authorities to ensure that the benefits of border trade primarily reach genuine border residents and small local traders. She stressed that the Standard Operating Procedures should be implemented in both letter and spirit so that local traders, transporters, labourers, entrepreneurs and youth emerge as the primary beneficiaries.
She also appreciated the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Mr Prem Singh Tamang for his continued commitment to the welfare and development of border communities. Expressing confidence in the revival of the Nathula Border Trade, she said it would strengthen livelihoods, enhance economic cooperation and contribute to the overall development of the State.
Presenting a brief report on the resumption of the Indo-China Border Trade through Nathula, Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, Ms Karma D Youtso, said the trade has resumed after a six-year hiatus. Following communications from the Government of India late last year, infrastructure repair works were undertaken on a war footing to ensure readiness for the trade season.
She said the reopening marks a significant milestone reflecting the commitment of both the Government of India and the Government of Sikkim to strengthening border trade, advancing regional connectivity, promoting socio-economic development, particularly in border villages, and fostering peaceful cooperation in the region. She added that the resumption also carries significant economic potential by providing opportunities for local entrepreneurs and other stakeholders.
Ms Karma D Youtso further informed that, following the declaration of Nathula and Sherathang as plastic-free zones, a notification has been issued urging all stakeholders to carry back plastic waste after use.
The ceremony also witnessed the distribution of Border Trade Passes and allotment orders for cafeterias to beneficiaries by the dignitaries.
Renqinggang, located in Yadong County, about 16 km from Nathula Pass on the Tibet Autonomous Region side, serves as the designated trade mart for Indian traders. Similarly, Sherathang Trade Mart serves as the designated trade mart for traders of Chinese nationality under the bilateral border trade arrangement.
It may be recalled that India and China signed the Memorandum on Expanding Border Trade on June 23, 2003, permitting the use of Nathula for border trade between the two countries. Nathula is the third border trade point between India and China, the other two being Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand and Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh.
The modalities governing border trade are laid down in the Memorandum on the Resumption of Border Trade signed in December 1991 and the Protocol on Entry and Exit Procedures for Border Trade signed in July 1992. The provisions of both agreements are applicable to trade through Nathula.
Earlier, the welcome address was delivered by Special Secretary-cum-Director, Commerce and Industries Department, Ms Choden Gyatso, while the Vote of Thanks was proposed by Joint Secretary, Commerce and Industries Department, Mr Gopal Chettri.
Among those present at the inaugural ceremony were Minister for Printing & Stationery and Social Welfare, Women, Child, Senior Citizen and Divyangjan Welfare Departments, Mr Samdup Lepcha, MLA-cum-Advisor for Food & Civil Supplies and Urban Development Departments, Mr Delay Namgyal Barfungpa, MLA Mr Sonam Venchungpa, Mayor, GMC, Ms Tshering Palden Bhutia, Press Secretary to the Chief Minister, Mr Yougan Tamang, Advisors, Chairpersons, Secretaries and Heads of Departments, OSDs, Director, FT (S&MT) Division, Department of Commerce, Government of India, along with ADC Gangtok, police personnel, officials and officers of the Commerce and Industries Department, officials from various departments, officials of the Army and paramilitary forces, representatives of the Indo-China Border Traders Welfare Association, Nathula Border Trade Welfare Association, traders and other stakeholders.
