India, China agree to reopen border trade through three Himalayan passes
and
China
on Tuesday agreed to reopen border trade through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh and Nathu La in Sikkim, as part of a series of measures to strengthen bilateral ties during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's official visit to India.
Wang, who is also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, visited New Delhi from August 18–19 at the invitation of National Security Advisor Ajit Doval.
He co-chaired the 24th round of Special Representatives' (SR) talks on the boundary question with Doval, held discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, and called on Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
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Focus on boundary settlement
According to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), the two sides described the talks as 'positive and constructive,' noting that peace and tranquillity had been maintained along the border since the last round of SR talks.
Key outcomes of the discussions included:
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Establishing an Expert Group under the Working Mechanism for Consultation and Coordination (WMCC) to explore 'early harvest' steps in boundary delimitation.
Creating a Working Group under the WMCC to strengthen border management.
Expanding General Level Mechanisms to cover the eastern and middle sectors, in addition to the existing mechanism in the western sector.
Using diplomatic and military-level channels to carry forward talks on de-escalation, starting with principles and modalities.
The two sides also agreed that the next round of SR talks would take place in China at a mutually convenient date.
Expanding economic and people-to-people links
Beyond the boundary issue, Wang and Jaishankar discussed ways to deepen economic and cultural engagement. The MEA said the two sides agreed to:
Resume direct flight connectivity and finalize a new Air Services Agreement.
Facilitate visas for tourists, businesspersons, media and other visitors.
Expand the scale of the Kailash–Manasarovar pilgrimage starting 2026.
Support each other in hosting upcoming BRICS summits (India in 2026, China in 2027).
Work jointly on events to mark the 75th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2025.
Step up cooperation on trans-border rivers, with China agreeing to share hydrological information during emergencies.
Facilitate greater trade and investment flows between the two countries.
China also welcomed Prime Minister Modi's participation in the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit to be held in Tianjin later this year.
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