Archive · 18 Aug 2025
China's Border Actions Hinder Sikkim-Tibet Trade
The border trade between Sikkim, India, and Tibet has been stopped for about five years.
This has made things difficult for about 400 families and traders.
While officials say it's because of the pandemic, the real reason is China's actions on the border.
The closure has hurt Tibetan traders and workers, especially those from Tromo County.
Many drivers who transported goods have lost their jobs and are now doing other work.
The border trade association has asked the Sikkim government for help in finding new jobs for the affected traders.
Border trade between Sikkim and Tibet, specifically through Nathu La, has been suspended for five years.
The trade halt has caused financial hardship for approximately 400 families and traders on both sides of the border.
The official reason for the suspension is the pandemic, but the actual cause is China's aggressive actions on the border.
Tibetan traders and laborers, particularly those from Tromo County, are suffering due to the trade closure.
Around 150 drivers have lost income due to the trade suspension, leading them to seek alternative employment.
- Who
- Traders, laborers, and drivers on both sides of the Sikkim-Tibet border, as well as the Nathu La Border Trade Association.
- What
- The suspension of border trade between Sikkim and Tibet through Nathu La.
- When
- The trade halted in 2020 and has been suspended for five years.
- Where
- Nathu La border between Sikkim and Tibet.
- Why
- China's aggressive actions on the border, despite the official reason being the pandemic.
- Affected Families
- Approximately 400
- Trade Route
- Nathu La
- Trade Halt Start Year
- 2020
- Drivers Affected
- Approximately 150
- Affected Region (Tibet)
- Tromo County
- Association Involved
- Nathu La Border Trade Association