Gangtok: 1st Aug:The inaugural ceremony marking the reopening of the Indo-China Border Trade through Nathula was held today ,at the venue 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, 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 ,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 ,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, Minister, 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 , 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,Minister , 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.
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.
Border Trade Passes and allotment orders for cafeterias were distributed 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.
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, Gopal Chettri, according to official communique.
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