Border trade between China and India has begun for the current year. An Indian team, comprising 6 members, have crossed Lipulekh pass situated 17,500 feet high near the border and reached the Tibetan mart of Taklakot.

Indo-Tibet border trade has officially begun for 2012. An ITBP commandant was quoted by the Times of India as saying that the offices at Nabhidhank and Kalapani camps are now open for checking inner line passes of traders. Their Chiyalekh office has become inaccessible due to rains, he noted.

Another team of 12 members are still waiting to enter Tibet since they arrived there last week by helicopters.

The Indo-China border trade ideally starts on 1st July every year, but has been delayed due to the torrential rains that lashed the routes. Trade volume can be lower than usual due to the delay. Border trade between China and India began 2 decades ago after nearly 30 years of suspension.

(AW: Sruthi)