Trade through the Nathu-La resumed on August 1 after being suspended in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. The route will operate seasonally from May to November, with trading from Monday to Thursday under the existing list of approved commodities.

 Nathu-La Border Trade Resumes After Six Years | Wion News 

Border trade between India and China through Sikkim’s Nathu La Pass has resumed from Saturday (Aug 1) after a six-year suspension, reopening one of the oldest trade links between the two countries. The route, which connects India’s Sikkim with Tibet, was shut in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its reopening comes as both sides look to gradually restore some economic and people-to-people exchanges after years of strained ties.Trade through Nathu La first resumed in 2006, nearly 44 years after the route was closed following the 1962 India-China war. The move was then seen as a major confidence-building measure and a way to revive traditional trade links along the old Silk Route. However, it was suspended again in 2020 following the COVID-19 outbreak.The current trading season will continue from May to November, as per the Standard Operating Procedures agreed upon by both countries. Trade will take place from Monday to Thursday, with both sides retaining the existing list of 36 approved commodities.India’s export list includes 36 items, including handicrafts, handloom products, spices, processed food items, agricultural tools, garments, utensils and religious articles. Imports from the Tibetan side include woollen garments, shoes, yak products, butter, borax, goats and quilts.Before reopening the route, authorities carried out repairs and upgrades at the Nathu La Integrated Check Post, which had remained unused for years and suffered damage due to harsh weather conditions. Security arrangements have also been strengthened, with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) deploying additional personnel. An all-women platoon has also been deployed at Nathu La for the first time to assist with trade operations.The reopening follows the recent restart of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Nathu La route, another indication of renewed cross-border movement between the two countries.Officials said the route can accommodate up to 400 traders during a season, although only a limited number of permits have been issued so far. More traders are expected to receive clearance after verification by district authorities and the State Intelligence Branch.While the resumption is unlikely to immediately change the broader India-China relationship, it marks a small but important step towards restoring activity along the border.

India-China border trade through Sikkim’s Nathu La Pass resumes after six years, reviving a historic Silk Route link and signalling gradual restoration of cross-border exchanges.

Border trade between India and China through Sikkim’s Nathu La Pass has resumed from Saturday (Aug 1) after a six-year suspension, reopening one of the oldest trade links between the two countries. The route, which connects India’s Sikkim with Tibet, was shut in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Its reopening comes as both sides look to gradually restore some economic and people-to-people exchanges after years of strained ties. Trade through Nathu La first resumed in 2006, nearly 44 years after the route was closed following the 1962 India-China war. The move was then seen as a major confidence-building measure and a way to revive traditional trade links along the old Silk Route. However, it was suspended again in 2020 following the COVID-19 outbreak. The current trading season will continue from May to November, as per the Standard Operating Procedures agreed upon by both countries. Trade will take place from Monday to Thursday, with both sides retaining the existing list of 36 approved commodities. India’s export list includes 36 items, including handicrafts, handloom products, spices, processed food items, agricultural tools, garments, utensils and religious articles. Imports from the Tibetan side include woollen garments, shoes, yak products, butter, borax, goats and quilts. Before reopening the route, authorities carried out repairs and upgrades at the Nathu La Integrated Check Post, which had remained unused for years and suffered damage due to harsh weather conditions. Security arrangements have also been strengthened, with the Indo-Tibetan Border Police (ITBP) deploying additional personnel. An all-women platoon has also been deployed at Nathu La for the first time to assist with trade operations. The reopening follows the recent restart of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the Nathu La route, another indication of renewed cross-border movement between the two countries. Officials said the route can accommodate up to 400 traders during a season, although only a limited number of permits have been issued so far. More traders are expected to receive clearance after verification by district authorities and the State Intelligence Branch. While the resumption is unlikely to immediately change the broader India-China relationship, it marks a small but important step towards restoring activity along the border.

India-China border trade through Sikkim’s Nathu La Pass resumes after six years, reviving a historic Silk Route link and signalling gradual restoration of cross-border exchanges.

India-China reopen Nathu La route, reviving historic Silk Route trade corridor

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has sharply criticised China’s latest export restrictions on rare earth materials, calling them a “wake-up call for the world”. He warned that while India’s automotive and white goods sectors may face short-term disruptions, the country is actively building resilient and independent supply chains to emerge stronger in the long run.&nbsp;Goyal made these remarks during his official visit to Switzerland, where he addressed reporters on Monday. As quoted by ANI, he said, “This situation serves as a wake-up call for all those who have become over-reliant on certain geographies… The world today wants India in their supply chains because we are seen as a trusted partner.”<h2>What did Goyal say?</h2>According to ANI, Goyal acknowledged that sectors like automotive and electronics, both reliant on rare earth magnets will feel the impact of China’s decision to tighten export licences on seven key rare earth elements and related magnets.&nbsp;&nbsp;These components are vital for electric vehicles, motors, defence equipment, and appliances.&nbsp;He confirmed that several Indian companies have already submitted their licence applications to the Chinese government. While New Delhi is optimistic that approvals will come through, Goyal stressed that India is not waiting passively.&nbsp;The Indian embassy in Beijing is actively pursuing fast-track approvals, while the Commerce Ministry is exploring new sourcing options. At the same time, efforts are underway to boost domestic capacity through Indian Rare Earths Ltd and private partnerships.&nbsp;“The industry is not just looking to the government for handouts anymore,” Goyal remarked. “More and more companies are partnering with startups, funding innovation, and adapting pricing to support the ecosystem.<h2>India’s dependency on China for rare earth&nbsp;</h2>India's reliance on China for rare earth magnets is longstanding, but the urgency has intensified.&nbsp;Despite having rare earth reserves, India lacks large-scale refining and processing infrastructure. As a result, more than 70 per cent of its rare earth magnets are imported from China, which dominates over 90 per cent of the world’s magnet-making capacity.&nbsp;These specialised magnets power everything from electric vehicle drivetrains to missile systems and air conditioners. With Beijing’s new restrictions, effective from 4 April, the disruption is already affecting production timelines in India’s high-growth sectors, particularly manufacturing and clean tech.&nbsp;Even though India is not a direct player in the current US-China trade conflict, it finds itself entangled in the fallout. Beijing’s export curbs are widely seen as retaliation against Washington’s escalating tariffs on Chinese tech and green energy products. In this global power contest, India, heavily dependent on critical imports, risks becoming collateral damage.&nbsp;This comes against the backdrop of still-strained bilateral ties between India and China following the 2020 Galwan clash. Although trade between the two nations touched $118 billion in FY24, India’s trade deficit with China remains steep, primarily due to its heavy imports of electronics, industrial components, and solar modules. These recent curbs have accelerated India’s urgency to secure alternate supply chains.<h2>New Delhi's alternative approach&nbsp;</h2>Despite the near-term challenges, Goyal expressed optimism that this disruption could act as a pivot for long-term self-reliance. As quoted by ANI, he said, “We are all working as a team and remain confident that while there may be challenges in the short run, we will emerge as winners in the medium to long term.”&nbsp;There are early signs of industry adapting. Indian automakers have begun collaborating with local startups and researchers to develop domestic solutions. Meanwhile, the government is exploring whether the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme can be extended to cover rare earth processing, magnet recycling, and advanced materials.&nbsp;Goyal also emphasised a shift in industry mindset. Indian firms are no longer relying entirely on government subsidies but are taking active ownership of innovation and investment. This aligns with the government’s broader push for Atmanirbhar Bharat (a self-reliant India).&nbsp;Piyush&nbsp;Goyal’s comments go beyond China’s immediate policy shift. His statement is a call to Indian industry, and the global community to rethink the fragility of global supply chains in an era marked by geopolitical uncertainty. “There is an opportunity even in this crisis… and India intends to seize it,” he said as quoted by ANI.&nbsp; &nbsp;

Piyush Goyal calls China rare earth curbs a global warning, highlights India’s supply chain push.

Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal has sharply criticised China’s latest export restrictions on rare earth materials, calling them a “wake-up call for the world”. He warned that while India’s automotive and white goods sectors may face short-term disruptions, the country is actively building resilient and independent supply chains to emerge stronger in the long run. Goyal made these remarks during his official visit to Switzerland, where he addressed reporters on Monday. As quoted by ANI, he said, “This situation serves as a wake-up call for all those who have become over-reliant on certain geographies… The world today wants India in their supply chains because we are seen as a trusted partner.” What did Goyal say? According to ANI, Goyal acknowledged that sectors like automotive and electronics, both reliant on rare earth magnets will feel the impact of China’s decision to tighten export licences on seven key rare earth elements and related magnets. These components are vital for electric vehicles, motors, defence equipment, and appliances. He confirmed that several Indian companies have already submitted their licence applications to the Chinese government. While New Delhi is optimistic that approvals will come through, Goyal stressed that India is not waiting passively. The Indian embassy in Beijing is actively pursuing fast-track approvals, while the Commerce Ministry is exploring new sourcing options. At the same time, efforts are underway to boost domestic capacity through Indian Rare Earths Ltd and private partnerships. “The industry is not just looking to the government for handouts anymore,” Goyal remarked. “More and more companies are partnering with startups, funding innovation, and adapting pricing to support the ecosystem. India’s dependency on China for rare earth India's reliance on China for rare earth magnets is longstanding, but the urgency has intensified. Despite having rare earth reserves, India lacks large-scale refining and processing infrastructure. As a result, more than 70 per cent of its rare earth magnets are imported from China, which dominates over 90 per cent of the world’s magnet-making capacity. These specialised magnets power everything from electric vehicle drivetrains to missile systems and air conditioners. With Beijing’s new restrictions, effective from 4 April, the disruption is already affecting production timelines in India’s high-growth sectors, particularly manufacturing and clean tech. Even though India is not a direct player in the current US-China trade conflict, it finds itself entangled in the fallout. Beijing’s export curbs are widely seen as retaliation against Washington’s escalating tariffs on Chinese tech and green energy products. In this global power contest, India, heavily dependent on critical imports, risks becoming collateral damage. This comes against the backdrop of still-strained bilateral ties between India and China following the 2020 Galwan clash. Although trade between the two nations touched $118 billion in FY24, India’s trade deficit with China remains steep, primarily due to its heavy imports of electronics, industrial components, and solar modules. These recent curbs have accelerated India’s urgency to secure alternate supply chains. New Delhi's alternative approach Despite the near-term challenges, Goyal expressed optimism that this disruption could act as a pivot for long-term self-reliance. As quoted by ANI, he said, “We are all working as a team and remain confident that while there may be challenges in the short run, we will emerge as winners in the medium to long term.” There are early signs of industry adapting. Indian automakers have begun collaborating with local startups and researchers to develop domestic solutions. Meanwhile, the government is exploring whether the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme can be extended to cover rare earth processing, magnet recycling, and advanced materials. Goyal also emphasised a shift in industry mindset. Indian firms are no longer relying entirely on government subsidies but are taking active ownership of innovation and investment. This aligns with the government’s broader push for Atmanirbhar Bharat (a self-reliant India). Piyush Goyal’s comments go beyond China’s immediate policy shift. His statement is a call to Indian industry, and the global community to rethink the fragility of global supply chains in an era marked by geopolitical uncertainty. “There is an opportunity even in this crisis… and India intends to seize it,” he said as quoted by ANI.

During his visit to Switzerland, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal criticised China’s rare earth export restrictions as a wake-up call for over-dependent economies and affirmed India’s efforts to build resilient, self-reliant supply chains.

“Wake-up call for the world”: Piyush Goyal slams China’s rare earth curbs

The trade between India and China has crossed USD 100 billion for the second year, says the&nbsp;data released by Chinese customs.

The total bilateral trade, amidst the military standoff in eastern Ladakh, went up to USD 103.63 billion, registering a 14.6 per cent increase compared to last year during the same period.

Chinese exports to India have shot up to USD 89.66 billion. This is an increase of 31 per cent, said the data.

However, India's exports in the past nine months stood at USD 13.97 billion, registering a decline of 36.4 per cent.&nbsp;As a result, the total trade deficit went up to over USD 75.69 billion.

Last year, bilateral trade between India and China hit a record high of over USD 125 billion. The bilateral trade crossed USD 100 billion mark in a year when relations between the two countries had touched a new low due to standoff between two militaries in eastern Ladakh.

Last year, China's exports to India went up by 46.2 per cent to USD 97.52 billion while India's exports to China grew by 34.2 per cent to USD 28.14 billion.

The trade deficit for India stood at USD 69.38 billion in 2021.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

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The trade between India and China has crossed USD 100 billion for the second year, says the data released by Chinese customs. The total bilateral trade, amidst the military standoff in eastern Ladakh, went up to USD 103.

The trade between India and China has crossed USD 100 billion for the second year, says the data released by Chinese customs. The total bilateral trade, amidst the military standoff in eastern Ladakh, went up to USD 103.63 billion, registering a 14.6 per cent increase compared to last year during the same period. Chinese exports to India have shot up to USD 89.66 billion. This is an increase of 31 per cent, said the data. However, India's exports in the past nine months stood at USD 13.97 billion, registering a decline of 36.4 per cent. As a result, the total trade deficit went up to over USD 75.69 billion. Last year, bilateral trade between India and China hit a record high of over USD 125 billion. The bilateral trade crossed USD 100 billion mark in a year when relations between the two countries had touched a new low due to standoff between two militaries in eastern Ladakh. Last year, China's exports to India went up by 46.2 per cent to USD 97.52 billion while India's exports to China grew by 34.2 per cent to USD 28.14 billion. The trade deficit for India stood at USD 69.38 billion in 2021. (With inputs from agencies) You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here. WATCH WION LIVE HERE ×

Trade between India and China crosses USD 100 billion mark

Due to the lengthy standoff between the forces in eastern Ladakh, 2021 was a year in which India-China relations reached a new low.&nbsp;

Regardless of the disputes and military standoffs,&nbsp;bilateral trade between India and China reached a new high of over $125 billion in 2021, surpassing the $100 billion mark in a year, while India's trade deficit grew to over $69 billion.&nbsp;

If reports are to believed bilateral trade between India and China was valued at $125.66 billion in 2021, up 43.3 percent from $87.6 billion in 2020.

According to statistics provided by the General Administration of Customs (GAC) and quoted by the tabloid Global Times on Friday, China's exports to India in 2021 were $97.52 billion, up 46.2 percent, while China received $28.14 billion worth of commodities from India, up 34.2 percent.

The trade disparity between the two countries remained $69 billion in China's favour. 
 
Watch | India &amp; China are holding the 14th round of commander-level talks amid a standoff along the LAC

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For more than a decade, India has expressed its alarm over China's rising trade deficit, urging Beijing to open its markets to Indian IT and pharmaceutical companies.

Due to the enormous second wave of COVID-19 and repeated bouts of the virus in India, observers say much of China's growth in exports to India this year can be ascribed to the import of medical supplies and raw materials for India's booming pharmaceutical industry.

The historic growth in bilateral trade, which surpassed USD 100 billion, went unnoticed as ties remained tense due to the protracted military standoff in eastern Ladakh.&nbsp; 
 
Watch | Indian sailors remain in Chinese waters, India asks China for a crew change

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The border standoff between India's and China's armies began on May 5 last year after a violent confrontation in the Pangong lake areas, and both sides have gradually increased their deployment by pouring in tens of thousands of soldiers and heavy weaponry.

The two parties concluded the disengagement process in the Gogra area in August and the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in February as a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks.

On January 12, the two sides met for the 14th round of Corps Commander-level discussions to end the standoff in the remaining territories, and they promised to meet again shortly.&nbsp;

Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the mountainous sector.

(With inputs from agencies)

Due to the lengthy standoff between the forces in eastern Ladakh, 2021 was a year in which India-China relations reached a new low. Regardless of the disputes and military standoffs, bilateral trade between India and China reached a new high of over $125 billion in 2021, surpassing the $100 billion mark in a year, while India's trade deficit grew to over $69 billion.

Due to the lengthy standoff between the forces in eastern Ladakh, 2021 was a year in which India-China relations reached a new low. Regardless of the disputes and military standoffs, bilateral trade between India and China reached a new high of over $125 billion in 2021, surpassing the $100 billion mark in a year, while India's trade deficit grew to over $69 billion. If reports are to believed bilateral trade between India and China was valued at $125.66 billion in 2021, up 43.3 percent from $87.6 billion in 2020. According to statistics provided by the General Administration of Customs (GAC) and quoted by the tabloid Global Times on Friday, China's exports to India in 2021 were $97.52 billion, up 46.2 percent, while China received $28.14 billion worth of commodities from India, up 34.2 percent. The trade disparity between the two countries remained $69 billion in China's favour. Watch | India & China are holding the 14th round of commander-level talks amid a standoff along the LAC For more than a decade, India has expressed its alarm over China's rising trade deficit, urging Beijing to open its markets to Indian IT and pharmaceutical companies. Due to the enormous second wave of COVID-19 and repeated bouts of the virus in India, observers say much of China's growth in exports to India this year can be ascribed to the import of medical supplies and raw materials for India's booming pharmaceutical industry. The historic growth in bilateral trade, which surpassed USD 100 billion, went unnoticed as ties remained tense due to the protracted military standoff in eastern Ladakh. Watch | Indian sailors remain in Chinese waters, India asks China for a crew change The border standoff between India's and China's armies began on May 5 last year after a violent confrontation in the Pangong lake areas, and both sides have gradually increased their deployment by pouring in tens of thousands of soldiers and heavy weaponry. The two parties concluded the disengagement process in the Gogra area in August and the north and south banks of the Pangong lake in February as a result of a series of military and diplomatic talks. On January 12, the two sides met for the 14th round of Corps Commander-level discussions to end the standoff in the remaining territories, and they promised to meet again shortly. Each side currently has around 50,000 to 60,000 troops along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in the mountainous sector. (With inputs from agencies)

Despite border tensions, boycotts and bans, India-China trade grew to record $125 billion in 2021

The government on Monday said India's near-term macroeconomic outlook is vulnerable to disruption of trade with China due to the coronavirus outbreak but the latest data do not suggest any adverse impact on the economy, and sliding crude oil prices may be a silver lining.

The coronavirus outbreak, first in China and now having been confirmed in more than 100 countries, has emerged as a key risk to human health as well as global growth outlook through numerous channels like trade, production and supply chain disruptions as well as decline in demand.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/countries-must-work-together-to-combat-coronavirus-pandemic-imf-286112">Countries must work together to combat coronavirus pandemic: IMF</a>

This was stated by Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha.

"As is true for the world at large, India's near-term macroeconomic outlook is also vulnerable to disruption of trade with China and second-round effects arising from an expected slowdown in global growth," he said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/adb-to-provide-200-million-to-support-strained-supply-chains-in-fight-against-covid-19-285801">ADB to provide $200 million to support strained supply chains in fight against COVID-19</a>

However, the latest available data on trade and domestic output indicators do not suggest any adverse impact on the economy, the minister said.

"Additionally, a positive impact on India's economy may arise from a decline in global oil prices triggered by the outbreak of COVID-19," Thakur added.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/imfs-chief-economist-gita-gopinath-suggest-ways-to-counter-economic-impact-from-coronavirus-285440">IMF's chief economist Gita Gopinath suggest ways to counter economic impact from coronavirus</a>

He told the House that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been coordinating the efforts of the central government in terms of preparedness, control and containment measures and working with state governments in order to mitigate the impact of the virus outbreak in India.

In order to address the possibility of trade-induced adverse impact on the economy, the government is constantly engaging with export promotion councils and trade bodies, particularly in pharmaceutical, electronics and automobile sectors where the supply chains are sourcing imports from China.

These agencies, Thakur said, have been put in touch with Indian Missions abroad to secure and transport inventories available with the existing suppliers.

Indian Missions abroad have also been asked to explore alternative sources of supply of raw materials in their respective countries for supporting India's domestic production.

The government on Monday said India's near-term macroeconomic outlook is vulnerable to disruption of trade with China due to the coronavirus outbreak but the latest data do not suggest any adverse impact on the economy, and sliding crude oil prices may be a silver lining.

The government on Monday said India's near-term macroeconomic outlook is vulnerable to disruption of trade with China due to the coronavirus outbreak but the latest data do not suggest any adverse impact on the economy, and sliding crude oil prices may be a silver lining. The coronavirus outbreak, first in China and now having been confirmed in more than 100 countries, has emerged as a key risk to human health as well as global growth outlook through numerous channels like trade, production and supply chain disruptions as well as decline in demand. Also read: Countries must work together to combat coronavirus pandemic: IMF This was stated by Minister of State for Finance Anurag Thakur in a written reply to a question in the Lok Sabha. "As is true for the world at large, India's near-term macroeconomic outlook is also vulnerable to disruption of trade with China and second-round effects arising from an expected slowdown in global growth," he said. Also read: ADB to provide $200 million to support strained supply chains in fight against COVID-19 However, the latest available data on trade and domestic output indicators do not suggest any adverse impact on the economy, the minister said. "Additionally, a positive impact on India's economy may arise from a decline in global oil prices triggered by the outbreak of COVID-19," Thakur added. Also read: IMF's chief economist Gita Gopinath suggest ways to counter economic impact from coronavirus He told the House that the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has been coordinating the efforts of the central government in terms of preparedness, control and containment measures and working with state governments in order to mitigate the impact of the virus outbreak in India. In order to address the possibility of trade-induced adverse impact on the economy, the government is constantly engaging with export promotion councils and trade bodies, particularly in pharmaceutical, electronics and automobile sectors where the supply chains are sourcing imports from China. These agencies, Thakur said, have been put in touch with Indian Missions abroad to secure and transport inventories available with the existing suppliers. Indian Missions abroad have also been asked to explore alternative sources of supply of raw materials in their respective countries for supporting India's domestic production.

Indian macroeconomic outlook vulnerable to disruption of trade with China: FinMin on coronavirus