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Key Points

India is negotiating with China to reopen border trade through three strategic Himalayan passes. The trade routes were closed during the pandemic and remain inactive. The government clarified no formal talks have occurred regarding US F-35 fighter jets. Diplomatic efforts continue to maintain India's strategic autonomy in foreign policy decisions.

Key Points: India Engages China to Resume Border Trade Through Key Passes

  • India-China border trade halted since 2020 due to COVID-19
  • Three key trade routes include Lipulekh, Shipki La, and Nathu La passes
  • Talks ongoing to restore economic activity
  • No formal discussions yet on US F-35 jets for India
3 min read

India has engaged with Chinese side to facilitate resumption of border trade through all trade routes: Kirti Vardhan Singh

MoS Kirti Vardhan Singh confirms talks with China to reopen trade routes at Lipulekh, Shipki La, and Nathu La passes post-pandemic disruption.

"The Government of India has engaged with the Chinese side to facilitate the resumption of border trade through all these trade routes. – Kirti Vardhan Singh"

New Delhi, August 8

Minister of State for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh on Friday said that the government has engaged with the Chinese side to facilitate the resumption of border trade through all three trade routes - Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh, and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.

Singh was responding to questions raised by Rajya Sabha MP Dorjee Tshering Lepcha.

The Minister, in a written reply, said that existing bilateral arrangements designate three points for conducting border trade between India and China, which was disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and has not been resumed since.

"The existing bilateral arrangements designate three points for conducting border trade between India and China: Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand (since 1992), Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh (since 1995), and Nathu La Pass in Sikkim (since July 2006). However, during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, trade through all these points was disrupted and has not been resumed since. The Government of India has engaged with the Chinese side to facilitate the resumption of border trade through all these trade routes," the MoS said in his written reply.

Earlier in the day, Union Minister of State (MoS) for External Affairs Kirti Vardhan Singh informed the Lok Sabha in a written reply that there has been no formal discussion on F-35 fighter jets with the United States (US).

"During PM Modi's US visit, the joint statement issued after the meeting with Trump mentioned that the US will review its policy on releasing F-35 and underwater systems to India. However, no formal discussion has taken place on this issue so far," theminister said.

On the role of American diplomats in stopping hostilities between India and Pakistan, MoS Singh said that there were a number of diplomatic conversations with various countries, including the US. He asserted that the discussion to cease military action took place directly between India and Pakistan, and it was initiated at Pakistan's request.

"With specific reference to the United States, it was conveyed to Vice President JD Vance on May 9 that India would appropriately respond if Pakistan launched a major attack. The discussion to cease military action took place directly between India and Pakistan through the existing channels of communication between the two armed forces, and it was initiated at Pakistan's request," the reply read.

When asked about whether India has evaluated the impact of receiving US military assistance on the autonomy of its foreign policy, considering strategic implications, especially in a conflict scenario involving third-party mediation, Singh said that the outstanding issues with Pakistan will be discussed only bilaterally.

"Our longstanding position remains that any outstanding issue with Pakistan will be discussed only bilaterally. This has been made clear to all nations, including by the Prime Minister to the US President," the reply read.

"The India-US Comprehensive Global Strategic Partnership is anchored in mutual trust, shared interests, goodwill and robust engagement between our citizens. The partnership has also benefited from growing strategic convergence and cooperation. The Government of India closely evaluates all its external partnerships, including those in the defence and strategic domains, through the prism of India's national interest and commitment to strategic autonomy," it added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
Why is China delaying the resumption when they've opened other borders? This looks like another pressure tactic. Our government should stand firm and not make any compromises on our territorial integrity. Jai Hind!
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Arjun K
The local traders in these border areas have suffered a lot since 2020. My uncle in Gangtok used to do good business through Nathu La. Hope things normalize soon with proper safeguards in place.
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Sarah B
Interesting to see India balancing relations with both US and China. The F-35 mention shows how defense partnerships are evolving. But as the minister said, strategic autonomy must remain paramount.
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Vikram M
While trade is important, we must remember China's aggressive actions in Ladakh. The government should proceed cautiously and ensure PLA doesn't misuse these trade routes for surveillance.
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Kavya N
The clarification about no third-party mediation with Pakistan is crucial. Our foreign policy has been consistent on this - kudos to MEA for maintaining this stance despite pressure. 👏
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Michael C
As an observer, I think India is handling complex geopolitics quite well. Managing relations with both US and China while maintaining strategic autonomy is no easy task in today's world.

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