India, China Set to Resume Border Trade via Shipki-La After Decades Long Pause
MEA clears resumption of limited cross-border trade through Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district; operations likely from June
India, Dec 16 : In a significant diplomatic and economic development, India and China are set to resume limited cross border trade through the strategically located Shipki-La Pass in Himachal Pradesh’s tribal Kinnaur district, marking a rare thaw after decades of restricted engagement along the Himalayan frontier.
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has granted formal approval for restarting trade through Shipki-La, located in the Pooh subdivision of Kinnaur. Officials said trading activities are expected to commence from June next year.
The decision is being viewed as an important confidence building measure between the two Asian neighbours, whose sensitive and disputed border has remained largely closed to commercial exchange since the mid-20th century.
Following the Centre’s clearance, the Kinnaur district administration has begun preparatory work. Deputy Commissioner Dr Amit Kumar Sharma chaired a high-level meeting involving departments and stakeholders linked to the Shipki-La Trade Authority to review readiness on the ground.
The discussions focused on road connectivity, customs infrastructure, security arrangements, medical and emergency services, and coordination among departments in the Shipki-La–Namgiya sector.
Officials said trader registration will be carried out by the Tehsildar of Pooh, and trade passes will be issued only after thorough verification. Applicants will be required to submit identity proof, residence certificates, passport size photographs and, where available, records of prior business activity. Trade will be restricted strictly to items notified by the Government of India.
Security at the pass will be jointly overseen by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) and local police. The Customs Department will deploy staff at the Shipki-La customs station and circulate the approved list of import and export goods. All consignments will undergo mandatory inspection.
India and China share a long and complex Himalayan border, much of it skirting the Tibetan plateau. Traditional trade routes in the region were largely shut following the Chinese occupation of Tibet and subsequent geopolitical tensions.
Against this backdrop, the reopening of Shipki-La for regulated trade is being seen as a cautious yet symbolically significant step towards renewed economic engagement across the high Himalayas.
