India-China trade via Shipki La resumes after six-year pause

Cross-border trade between India and China through the Shipki La pass in Himachal Pradesh resumed on Saturday, August 1, 2026, after a gap of six years. The pass is part of the ancient Silk Route that connects India with Tibet.

Himachal Pradesh Revenue and Horticulture Minister Jagat Singh Negi flagged off 16 traders at the border, presenting them traditional Khataks (ceremonial scarves) as they set off with their horses towards Shipki village in Tibet. The minister said the exchange of goods would take place through a barter system, and that traders would have to return after conducting trade in the Tibetan region within 72 hours.

The minister also inaugurated the Chhuppan Trade Mart, a modern facility built in the Shipki La area in the border Gram Panchayat of Namgya in Kinnaur district. The mart was constructed at a cost of ₹1.70 crore to facilitate border trade, according to a statement issued in Shimla.

Mr. Negi urged local traders to strictly adhere to the import-export regulations prescribed by the Union Ministry of Commerce, ensuring transparency and compliance with the rules. Preliminary information indicates that traders will be able to bring in 72 types of items from the Indian side and 30 from the Chinese side.

Responding to a request from the Traders' Association to expand the scope of import-export goods, the minister said the proposal would be placed before Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. It would then be conveyed to the Chinese government through the Ministry of External Affairs, following necessary procedures.

Mr. Negi said the resumption of trade via the Shipki La route would give new strength to the economy of the border areas. It would increase employment and self-employment opportunities for local youth and boost commercial activities in the region. He added that the state government continues to work towards the holistic development of border areas, with special emphasis on making life easier for people in remote regions by strengthening road connectivity, communication networks, and other basic amenities.