News: India–China border trade through Shipki La Pass (Himachal Pradesh) resumed after a 6-year gap.

Highlights

• Trade restarted through the barter system.
• Chhupan Trade Mart inaugurated at ₹1.70 crore to promote border trade.
• Proposal to expand the list of tradable goods.
• Revival of the historic Silk Route trade.

About Shipki La Pass

• Location: Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh.
• Altitude: 3,930 m.
• Historic Silk Route connecting India with Tibet.
• Earlier known as Pema La ("Shared Pass").
• Became part of the Line of Actual Control (LAC) after the 1962 India–China War.
• Sutlej River (Langqen Zangbo) enters India through Shipki La.

Importance

• Boosts the economy of border areas.
• Generates employment and promotes local livelihoods.
• Revives traditional India–Tibet trade.
• Strengthens border connectivity and commerce.