Indo-Tibet Trade to Resume Through Shipki La Pass in Himachal Pradesh from June
Traditional trade between India and Tibet, which was suspended during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, is set to resume through the Shipki La pass in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur district starting this June. This announcement was made by state tribal development and revenue minister Jagat Singh Negi on Sunday.
Easing of Restrictions to Boost Commerce
Minister Negi explained that earlier restrictions, imposed due to security concerns and other factors, had prevented tourists and traders from accessing the border areas. With these curbs now easing, the resumption of trade is expected to significantly boost commercial activity and generate much-needed employment in Kinnaur and adjoining regions.
Negi told PTI that traditional trading activities had remained in limbo for several years, with local traders' unions and associations repeatedly demanding their revival. He expressed optimism that trade would restart in June, once weather conditions improve sufficiently to allow safe passage.
Push for Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra Route Development
The minister also urged the Union government to develop the Shipki La road to facilitate the Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra. He noted that construction of just 3–4 kilometers of connectivity would enable a smoother and shorter journey for pilgrims.
"Kailash-Mansarovar holds great religious importance for followers of Hindu, Bodh and Jain faiths," Negi emphasized. "Opening this route would not only benefit pilgrims but also encourage adventure tourism and increase tourist inflow to the region."
He added that Members of Parliament from Himachal Pradesh should raise this demand with the Central government to ensure proper infrastructure development.
Historical Context of Indo-Tibetan Trade
Indo-Tibetan trade has a long and storied history dating back centuries:
- A formal treaty was signed in 1697 between Tibet (Ganden Phodrang) and Raja Kehari Singh of Bushahar, ensuring safe passage and strengthening long-term trade ties.
- Commerce was traditionally conducted on a barter basis along the old Hindustan-Tibet road.
- Tibetan traders brought wool, sheep, salt, yak tails and raw silk, while Indian traders exported copperware, rice, textiles, tea and agricultural tools.
- Trade was based on "gamgya," a traditional oath of mutual trust, rather than written contracts.
Modern Trade Interruptions and Resumptions
The exchange was largely halted after the 1962 Sino-Indian War. Limited, regulated trade resumed in 1994 after several decades but was again discontinued during the Covid pandemic in 2020. The upcoming June resumption marks another chapter in this historic trading relationship.
The revival of this traditional trade route is expected to have multiple benefits:
- Economic revitalization of border regions through increased commercial activity
- Employment generation for local communities in Kinnaur and surrounding areas
- Enhanced cultural and religious exchanges between India and Tibet
- Potential boost to tourism infrastructure and adventure tourism opportunities
As preparations continue for the June reopening, stakeholders remain hopeful that this resumption will mark a sustainable revival of centuries-old trading traditions while adapting to modern economic realities.
