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What is the significance of the Shipki La pass?

Historical Importance

  • Located in Kinnaur district, Himachal Pradesh at an altitude of 3,930 m.
  • A historic Indo-Tibetan trade route — operational since at least the 15th century, likely earlier.
  • Folklore-based trade oath symbolized enduring cross-border trust and peace.

Relevance : GS 1(Culture ,Heritage ,Geography) ,GS 3(Infrastructure ,Trade)

Why Trade Stopped

  • Disrupted after the Sino-India War of 1962.
  • Further breakdown due to Doklam standoff (2017) and COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Commercial trade remains suspended, though local aspirations remain high.

Recent Developments

  • Himachal Pradesh CM reopened the pass for Indian tourists (no permit now needed; Aadhaar card sufficient).
  • Move has revived hopes for trade and religious tourism among locals.

Trade: Nature of Goods Exchanged

  • Imports from Tibet: wool, yaks, goatskins, thangkas, prayer items, turquoise, gold.
  • Exports from India: grains, spices, dried fruits, copper utensils, iron tools, tobacco.
  • Trade supported local crafts and jewelry industries (e.g. Kinnauri ornaments).

Why Reopening Matters Despite Low Trade Volume

  • Can shorten the DelhiMansarovar pilgrimage by 14 days — big religious tourism boost.
  • Generates employment, revives hospitality sector, and encourages infrastructure growth.
  • Serves as a community-led diplomatic model — fostering peace through cultural-economic ties.

Cultural & Spiritual Links

  • People on both sides share pastoral lifestyles, similar surnames (e.g. Namgyal).
  • Dominant religion: Buddhism — shared monastic traditions, festivals, and spiritual practices.
  • Reflects civilisational continuity, unlike more fractured India–Pakistan cross-border ties.

Policy & Strategic Implications

  • Reopening can act as a soft corridor for India-China people-to-people engagement.
  • Advocated by Kinnaur Indo-China Trade Association; State Government plans to push MEA for trade revival.
  • Could become a model for heritage-based diplomacy and inclusive border development.

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