Cross-border trade between India and China through the Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh’s Kinnaur district will officially commence on June 1, 2026. The Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the decision following a high-level meeting chaired by Deputy Commissioner Dr. Amit Kumar Sharma in Reckong Peo.
Preparations are underway at Namgya Gram Panchayat in the Pooh subdivision, where warehouses and shops are being constructed at Chhuppan to facilitate traders. Local authorities said the infrastructure will ensure smooth operations once the trade route reopens.
Shipki La is one of the few notified border trade routes between India and China, and its reopening is expected to boost local commerce in Himachal Pradesh while strengthening bilateral economic ties. The move comes amid cautious diplomatic engagement between the two countries.
Officials emphasized that the resumption of trade will provide new opportunities for frontier communities and contribute to regional economic activity. Traders have welcomed the announcement, noting that the route has historically played a vital role in cross-border exchanges.
The reopening of Shipki La Pass is seen as a significant step in normalizing economic relations, even as broader political and security issues continue to shape India-China engagement.
