UPSC Prelims 2007 Q17: Current Affairs – International Relations & Treaties
Which one of the following Himalayan passes was reopened in the middle of the year 2006 to
facilitate trade between India and China?
- (a) Chang La
- (b) Jara La
- (c) Nathu La
- (d) Shipki La
Answer: (c) Nathu La
Explanation
Himalayan pass reopened mid-2006
| Pass | Reopened for India-China trade, 2006? |
|---|---|
| Chang La (Ladakh) | No |
| Jara La | No |
| Nathu La (Sikkim) | Yes — reopened July 2006 |
| Shipki La (Himachal Pradesh) | No, a separate trade route |
Nathu La, a Himalayan pass in Sikkim, was reopened in July 2006 for India-China border trade after being closed since the 1962 Sino-Indian War — a major confidence-building step between the two countries.
Answer: (c) Nathu La.
Why each option is right or wrong
- (a) Incorrect. Chang La (Ladakh) was not the pass reopened for this trade in 2006.
- (b) Incorrect. Jara La is not associated with this 2006 trade reopening.
- (c) CORRECT. Nathu La (Sikkim) was reopened in 2006 for India-China trade.
- (d) Incorrect. Shipki La (Himachal Pradesh) is a separate trade route, not the one reopened in mid-2006.
Key point
Nathu La (Sikkim) was reopened in 2006 for India-China border trade, closed since 1962.
Remember
Nathu La (Sikkim): reopened 2006 for India-China trade.
Common mistakes
- Confusing Nathu La with other Himalayan trade passes like Shipki La or Lipulekh.
- Not connecting the 2006 reopening to its closure since the 1962 war.
- Mixing up the pass's location (Sikkim) with Ladakh or Himachal Pradesh passes.
Exam tip
Nathu La (Sikkim) reopened 2006 — closed since 1962 war; a key India-China trade/CBM symbol.
Sources
- Government of Sikkim, Commerce and Industries Department — Nathu La border trade with China
- Encyclopaedia Britannica — Nathu La