**China Agrees to Resume Trade Through Shipki-La in Himachal Pradesh**
China has tentatively agreed to the proposal for resuming trade through Shipki-La, located in Kinnaur district of Himachal Pradesh, following the recent visit of its Foreign Minister, Wang Yi, to India. This trade had been halted in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has informed the Himachal Pradesh government that discussions with China are underway to restart border trade at all three designated points: Shipki-La (Himachal Pradesh), Lipulekh (Uttarakhand), and Nathu La (Sikkim).
The Himachal government has expressed optimism regarding the resumption of trade with China through Shipki-La, highlighting the positive outcome of their persistent efforts. The statement noted that the Chinese government has agreed in principle to the proposal during Wang Yi’s recent visit. This development was facilitated by the personal intervention of Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, who urged the Union government to revive the historic Indo-Tibetan trade route. Following this, the Union government formally engaged with China, resulting in a consensus to restart trade.
The state government plans to coordinate with the Union Commerce Ministry to finalize the necessary formalities. Chief Minister Sukhu emphasized the significance of Shipki-La, which was once part of the legendary Silk Route and was established as a border trade point under the India-China bilateral agreement of 1994. This route is crucial for trans-Himalayan economic and cultural exchanges.
In addition to trade, the state government has received a favorable response regarding the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Shipki-La. The route, which connects via Gartok towards Darchen and Mansarovar, is shorter on the Tibetan side. Himachal Pradesh already has road access to Shipki-La via Rampur Bushahr and Pooh, making it feasible to develop the necessary infrastructure for the Yatra.
The External Affairs Minister also informed the Chief Minister that after a five-year hiatus, the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has resumed through Lipulekh Pass and Nathu La Pass, with ongoing discussions about adding Shipki-La as an additional route. The state government is hopeful that these initiatives will not only revive traditional border trade but also create new opportunities for tourism, cultural exchange, and economic development in Himachal Pradesh.
**FAQ**
**Q: What is the significance of the Shipki-La trade route?**
A: Shipki-La is a historic trade route that facilitates economic and cultural exchanges between India and Tibet, and its revival is expected to boost trade and tourism in Himachal Pradesh.