Shimla, August 24, 2025 (The Chandigarh News): In a major diplomatic breakthrough, India and China have agreed to reopen border trade routes through the Lipulekh Pass, Shipki-La and Nathu-La, reviving historic links suspended for years. The move will also provide an added boost to pilgrims, as the two countries have decided to expand the scale of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from 2026.
Historic Indo-Tibetan trade route revived
The decision comes after sustained efforts by the Himachal Pradesh government, particularly Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu, who had earlier written to the central government urging it to revive the ancient Indo-Tibetan trade route via Shipki-La in Kinnaur district. The move is expected to give a major boost to cross-border trade, cultural exchange and regional development.
A Himachal Pradesh government spokesperson said the state has been continuously pressing for resumption of trade ties with China through Shipki-La. Shipki-La is an important gateway that has historically connected traders from Himachal and Tibet.
India-China talks lead to breakthrough
The breakthrough came after Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India, where he held detailed discussions with External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. During the meeting, the two sides reached a consensus on reopening of trade through the three designated passes – Lipulekh, Shipki-La and Nathu-La.
The spokesperson further said, “The central government formally took up the matter with China and both sides agreed in principle to resume trade. The Himachal Pradesh government will now coordinate with the Union Commerce Ministry to complete the necessary formalities.”
Boost pilgrimage and bilateral ties
Along with trade, the agreement is a positive development for Indian pilgrims visiting Mount Kailash (Gang Rinpoche) and Lake Mansarovar, two of the holiest sites for Hindus, Buddhists and Jains. From 2026, the pilgrimage is expected to expand massively, making it more accessible to devotees.
Experts believe that the move will not only improve bilateral ties between India and China but will also boost cultural and religious exchanges and open up new economic opportunities for border states like Himachal Pradesh, Sikkim and Uttarakhand.
Highlights of the Agreement:
- Border Trade Resumes: India and China will reopen trade through Lipulekh Pass, Shipki-La, and Nathu-La.
- Support to Pilgrims: Expanded arrangements for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from 2026.
- State Push: Himachal CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu had written to the Union Government to revive Shipki-La trade.
- Diplomatic Talks: The decision came after discussions between Wang Yi and Dr. S. Jaishankar.
The reopening of these border trade routes marks a new chapter in India-China relations, striking a balance between diplomacy, cultural heritage and economic development. With the resumption of Shipki-La trade, the border states hope for a new era of prosperity, connectivity and people-to-people ties.