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India-China Border Trade Resumes at Lipulekh Pass After 6-Year Halt

The District Magistrate of Pithoragarh has confirmed the resumption of border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh Pass, ending a six-year closure. The move follows a bilateral agreement between the two nations' foreign ministers to reopen three designated trading points. Local traders are reportedly excited and preparing for the renewed economic activity, which last saw significant import and export volumes in 2019. The resumption occurs amidst ongoing diplomatic discussions and scrutiny from opposition figures regarding India's China policy.

Key Points: India-China Border Trade Resumes via Lipulekh Pass

  • Trade resumes after 6-year halt
  • 2019 trade valued at ₹3.2 crore
  • Passes issued for Lipulekh, Shipki La, Nathu La
  • Resumption follows diplomatic talks
2 min read

Uttarakhand: Pithoragarh DM hails resumption of India-China border trade through Lipulekh Pass

Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh DM announces the resumption of India-China border trade through Lipulekh Pass after a six-year gap, sparking local excitement.

"This is resuming after 6 years, so there is excitement. Traders are also excited and making preparations for the same. - Ashish Bhatgain"

Pithoragarh, March 21

Pithoragarh District Magistrate Ashish Bhatgain on Saturday expressed optimism over the resumption of India-China border trade through the Lipulekh Pass in the district, being restarted after a gap of six years.

Speaking with ANI, the DM said that directions have been given to the officers regarding the preparation for the trade. He further reflected on the enthusiasm among the traders for the same.

"I convened a meeting related to the trade through Lipulekh Pass. The trade is resuming through this route after 2019. So, discussions were held in this regard. All officers have been directed to make timely preparations for this. This is resuming after 6 years, so there is excitement. Traders are also excited and making preparations for the same," he said.

Shedding light on the statistics of the previous trade session in 2019, the DM expressed anticipation of the issuance of a similar number of trade passes as then.

"It is expected that a similar number of trade passes will be issued as before, with preparations also being made by the traders. In the last trade session in 2019, approximately ₹1.9 crore worth of imports and around ₹1.3 crore worth of exports were recorded. Another meeting with local traders involved in this trade will be held soon," he stated.

On the other hand, RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha questioned the Union government over India's diplomatic relations with China.

"The truth is that the language of our diplomacy has been weakened. A lot has happened that the government hasn't clarified to date, especially regarding China... When things got worse, TikTok was banned. We're a country in a lot of trouble...," he said.

In August 2025, India and China agreed to reopen border trade through Lipulekh Pass, a point located 56 kilometres inside Nepal's western frontier in Limpiyadhura. The agreement was made during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to India.

Both countries agreed during a meeting between Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Point nine of the joint communique mentions the resumption of border trade.

"Both sides agreed to the re-opening of border trade through the three designated trading points, namely Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass and Nathu La Pass."

These border trade points were established through bilateral agreements and have been closed since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and heightened tensions between the two nations.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
While trade resumption is positive for local communities, I share the RJD MP's concern. We must engage with China from a position of strength. The government needs to be more transparent about the diplomatic terms and ensure our territorial integrity is never compromised.
V
Vikram M
Finally! Our traders in Pithoragarh have been waiting for this for 6 long years. The figures from 2019 show good potential. Hope this time it's even bigger. Jai Uttarakhand! 🙏
R
Rohit P
Trade is good, but what about the soldiers standing guard in those harsh conditions? We should never forget the sacrifices at the border while discussing business. The government must ensure trade doesn't become a security loophole.
P
Priya S
Good step forward. Economic engagement can sometimes build bridges where politics fails. Let's hope this leads to more stability in the region. The local people's excitement says it all.
M
Michael C
Interesting development. The mention of Nepal's frontier in the article is crucial. These border agreements have complex geopolitical layers. Hope the trade benefits are mutual and sustainable for all parties involved.

We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.

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