India-China Trade Resumes at Shipki La After 6 Years; Preparations Underway

• India-China trade to restart via Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh from June 2026, after a 6-year halt due to Covid.
• Union Ministry of External Affairs approved the resumption; Kinnaur district administration is making logistical preparations.
• Discussions covered road connectivity, security by ITBP and local police, customs, medical services, and trader registration.
• Trader registration by Pooh Tehsildar requires ID, residence proof; only GoI-notified goods allowed for import/export.
• Speculation links the approval to closer India-China ties possibly influenced by Trump's tariffs on India, though unconfirmed.

Why It Matters: India-China trade reopens at Shipki La Pass in 2026, boosting regional commerce after a 6-year pause.