Guwahati, Aug. 1 -- The historic Nathu La Pass reopened for border trade between India and China on Friday after remaining closed for six years, marking the revival of commerce along the ancient Silk Route and raising expectations of renewed economic activity in Sikkim's border regions.

The 2026 border trade season was formally inaugurated at No Man's Land along the India-China border, where officials from the Government of Sikkim and China's Tibet Autonomous Region exchanged gifts before declaring the trade route open. The main inauguration ceremony was later held at the Sherathang Trade Mart.

Speaking at the event, Sikkim Commerce and Industries Minister T.T. Bhutia described the reopening as a significant milestone for the state, say...