Shipki-La Pass in Kinnaur to reopen for India-China trade after decades
Shimla, Dec 16,
In a development carrying both strategic and economic significance for the high Himalayas, India and China are set to resume limited cross-border trade through the Shipki-La Pass in Himachal Pradesh’s tribal Kinnaur district, ending decades of commercial dormancy along this stretch of the frontier.
The Ministry of External Affairs has accorded formal approval for restarting regulated trade through Shipki-La, located in the Pooh subdivision of Kinnaur. Official sources indicate that trading operations are expected to begin from June next year, subject to completion of administrative and infrastructure preparations on the Indian side.
The reopening of Shipki-La is being viewed as a calibrated confidence-building step between the two Asian neighbours, whose sensitive Himalayan border has witnessed prolonged restrictions on civilian and commercial interaction since the mid-20th century.
Following the Centre’s clearance, the Kinnaur district administration has moved swiftly to initiate groundwork. Deputy Commissioner Dr Amit Kumar Sharma recently chaired a coordination meeting with departments linked to the Shipki-La Trade Authority to review preparedness in the Shipki-La–Namgiya belt. Key focus areas included road access, customs facilities, security deployment, medical and emergency response systems, and inter-agency coordination.
Officials said that trader registration will be handled by the Tehsildar, Pooh, with trade passes issued only after detailed verification. Prospective traders will have to submit identity documents, proof of residence, photographs, and available records of prior business activity. Trade will be strictly limited to items notified by the Government of India, and no unauthorised commodities will be permitted.
Security at the high-altitude pass will be jointly managed by the Indo-Tibetan Border Police and the local police, while the Customs Department will post staff at the Shipki-La customs station. All consignments—both exports and imports—will undergo mandatory inspection, and an official list of approved goods will be circulated to stakeholders.
Historically, Shipki-La was among the traditional trading routes linking the trans-Himalayan regions of India and Tibet. However, most such routes were shut following geopolitical developments after the Chinese occupation of Tibet, effectively freezing cross-border trade across large sections of the frontier.
Against this backdrop, the decision to reopen Shipki-La for controlled trade is being seen as a modest yet symbolically important move, particularly for border communities in Kinnaur. While the scale of trade is expected to remain limited and tightly regulated, officials and local stakeholders view the step as a cautious re-opening of economic channels across one of the most sensitive regions of the Himalayas.
About the Author
The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
