1. Background – Shipki-La Trade Route
- Shipki-La is a historic Himalayan trade pass in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district, serving as a traditional link between India and Tibet.
- It was officially opened for border trade under the 1994 India-China bilateral agreement.
- Trade was suspended in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, halting centuries-old cultural and economic exchanges.
2. Diplomatic Push
- Himachal Pradesh CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu urged the Union government to revive the route.
- Following this, India engaged in diplomatic discussions with China.
- During Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s recent visit, China agreed in principle to reopen the trade route.
3. Wider Border Trade Plans
- India is also negotiating to restore trade via Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and Nathu La Pass (Sikkim).
- External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar confirmed efforts to resume trade at all three designated points.
- This development is seen as a step towards improving India-China relations amidst broader geopolitical complexities.