The North News
New Delhi, August 14
India and China are holding discussions to resume border trade through three designated Himalayan passes, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said on Thursday. The trade routes — Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh, and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim — have remained closed since 2020 following the deadly Galwan Valley clash.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal told reporters in New Delhi that the government “remains engaged with the Chinese side to facilitate the resumption of border trade” through all three points. “If there are any updates, we will keep you informed,” he added. Officials from both countries are working to finalise protocols for restarting regulated trade in goods such as silk, yak hair, agricultural products and other commodities. The talks are also aimed at implementing confidence-building measures to stabilise ties amid continuing tensions over unresolved border disputes. The ministry said any agreements or developments would be promptly made public.
