Nathula Pass Border Trade to Resume August 1

Gangtok: Trade at the historic Nathula Pass resumes August 1, 2026. This ends a suspension lasting more than six years. The route, located in East Sikkim, served as a core part of the ancient Silk Route. It previously reopened in 2006 following a long shutdown after the 1962 India-China war. COVID-19 forced operations to stop again in 2020.

The decision follows the 24th round of India-China Special Representatives' dialogue held in August 2025. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi co-chaired the talks. Both nations agreed to resume commerce through three Himalayan passes: Nathula in Sikkim, Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh, and Lipulekh in Uttarakhand.

Sikkim Chief Minister Prem Singh Tamang told the State Assembly that trade would restart June 1. Sources now confirm the final date is August 1. This change impacts nearly 600 registered Indian traders. Local markets need this revenue. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra also restarted through Nathula this year after a five-year gap.

Workers are building a new highway. It links Rongli and Menla. Officials say the project will "strengthen both commercial connectivity and strategic infrastructure in the region." This road will improve access to the Indo-Tibet border.