“Trade through the high-altitude pass in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district resumed this week after being suspended since 2020 following the COVID-19 pandemic and the sharp deterioration in bilateral ties after the Galwan Valley clash. The move follows a broader diplomatic effort by New Delhi and Beijing to stabilise relations after military disengagement at key friction points along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) and renewed high-level political engagement over the past year.”
“The first batch of Indian traders has begun preparations to cross into Tibet through the 5,300-metre (17,400-foot) pass, while authorities have established customs infrastructure and issued trade permits after months of planning.”
“India completed the strategically important Tawaghat-Dharchula-Lipulekh road during the closure period, allowing vehicles to reach much closer to the border than before. Improved road connectivity, customs facilities and communications are expected to reduce transport costs and make seasonal trade more efficient.”
“Lipulekh is also one of India’s three designated border trading points with China, alongside Shipki La in Himachal Pradesh and Nathu La in Sikkim.”
“Despite India’s administration of the area, Lipulekh remains at the centre of a longstanding territorial dispute with Nepal…”