After a gap of six years, border trade between India and China through Lipulekh Pass in Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand is set to begin again this year.
District Magistrate Ashish Bhatgai stated that after the directions from the Union government, preparations have started for the trade season. The trade usually takes place between June and September. He added that the move comes after a No Objection Certificate (NOC) was issued by the Ministry of External Affairs.
Ashish Bhatgai said Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri wrote to Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, requesting the restoration of trade through the Himalayan pass. The letter also stated that the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of Commerce and Industry have given their approvals.
He added that the state government has been asked to direct all concerned departments to make sure that trade resumes for the 2026 season. Contact details of local officials will be shared with Chinese authorities to improve coordination between both sides.
To support the trade session, instructions have been issued to authorities responsible for trade passes, designated banks for currency exchange, the Customs Department, and the Dharchula administration. They have been asked to prepare a detailed plan covering transit camps, communication, banking, security, and medical facilities for traders.
Border trade with Tibet through Lipulekh had resumed in 1992 after a long gap. However, it was suspended again in 2019 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Jeevan Singh Ronkali, president of the Pithoragarh-based Simant Vyapar Sangathan, hailed the decision. He said the move will help traders recover goods that have been lying in warehouses in Taklakot since 2019.
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