GANGTOK, August 2 — India and China resumed bilateral border trade through the historic Nathu La Pass in Sikkim on Sunday, following a standard winter closure and subsequent coordination meetings between trade representatives of both nations.
Exporters and importers from both sides of the border gathered to trade local commodities, including wool, raw silk, spices, and handmade utensils. The resumption of trade is expected to boost local economies and improve livelihoods in the border districts of Sikkim and Tibet Autonomous Region.
The trade gate operates designated days of the week, with strict custom checks and security clearances managed by government agencies on both sides to regulate items listed in the bilateral trade agreement.
Border passes and trade routes are standard questions in geography and current affairs sections of banking and SSC exams. Candidates should remember that Nathu La Pass is located in Sikkim at an elevation of 4,310 meters and serves as one of the three official border trade points between India and China (the others being Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh and Lipulekh in Uttarakhand).