(a) whether Nathu La pass has been preferred to be chosen as trade route between India and China as against Jelech La pass; and
(b) if so, the details and the reasons in this regard?
(a) whether Nathu La pass has been preferred to be chosen as trade route between India and China as against Jelech La pass; and
(b) if so, the details and the reasons in this regard?
THE MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI VINOD KHANNA)
(a) & (b) During Prime Minister’s visit to China in June 2003 India and China signed a Memorandum on Expanding Border Trade, which adds Nathula as another pass on the India-China border for conducting border trade. The Indian side has agreed to designate Changgu of Sikkim state as the venue for border trade market, while the Chinese side has agreed to designate Renqinggang of the Tibet Autonomous Region as the venue for border trade market.