In a significant diplomatic and economic development, India and China have agreed to revive border trade through the Shipki-La Pass in Himachal Pradesh, along with two other designated trading points — Lipulekh (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La (Sikkim). The decision marks a revival of historic Indo-Tibetan trade routes and comes after prolonged suspension since 2020 due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
The breakthrough is being attributed to the consistent efforts of Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhu, who had formally requested the Union Government to push for the reopening of the traditional Shipki-La trade route. Following his appeal, the Union Ministry of External Affairs took up the matter with China. During recent talks held between Indian External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, both sides agreed in principle to resume cross-border trade through the three passes.
The Chief Minister expressed his appreciation to the Union Government for prioritizing Himachal’s strategic interests in bilateral discussions with China. He highlighted that Shipki-La, once a prominent offshoot of the ancient Silk Route and formalized under the 1994 Indo-China border trade agreement, holds immense potential for economic, cultural, and tourism exchanges.
In addition to trade, the two nations have also agreed to expand the scale of Indian pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar beginning 2026. Notably, the Shipki-La route is now being considered as an additional corridor for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra (KMY), alongside the existing Lipulekh and Nathu La routes.
Chief Minister Sukhu had earlier pointed out that Shipki-La offers a shorter and more feasible route on the Tibetan side, connecting via Gartok to Darchen and Mansarovar. Himachal already has road connectivity up to Shipki-La through Rampur Bushahr and Pooh, making it logistically viable to develop base camps and supporting infrastructure for pilgrims.
The revival of trade and pilgrimage through Shipki-La is expected to boost local economies in tribal areas like Kinnaur, generate employment, and reinvigorate traditional trans-Himalayan cultural exchanges. The State Government will now work in coordination with the Union Ministry of Commerce to finalize codal formalities and initiate preparatory work on the ground.
In a letter addressed to the Chief Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar confirmed that the Government of India is committed to facilitating the trade resumption and inclusion of Shipki-La in the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from 2026.
“This is a historic step for Himachal Pradesh. Shipki-La’s reopening will bring new opportunities in trade, tourism, and international cultural exchange. I thank the Union Government for taking up this matter with seriousness and vision,” said CM Sukhu in a statement.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
