India-China border trade resumes after 6 years

India and China resumed traditional border trade on Saturday through Lipulekh in Uttarakhand and Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh after nearly six years, following closure due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

The first batch of 16 traders and four support staff crossed into Tibet at Lipulekh without goods, with Chinese authorities restricting the inaugural batch to 20 people due to infrastructure constraints at the Taklakot trade mart.

In Himachal Pradesh, revenue minister Jagat Singh Negi flagged off the first batch of 16 Indian traders heading towards Shipki village through the 3,930-metre-high Shipki La Pass, where trade will operate under the traditional barter system until Nov 30.

Indian traders are permitted to export 36 categories of goods, including dried fruits, spices, handicrafts, and herbs, while Chinese traders can bring 20 categories, including pashmina, wool, yak hair, sheepskin, goatskin, and China clay.

Trade was originally scheduled to resume on June 1 but was delayed due to security concerns and inadequate infrastructure at the trading post.