Closed Markets Should Be Reopened to Boost India-China Trade

We often hear that increasing trade between India and Pakistan—and opening the Wagah border for this purpose—could benefit both nations; however, given the nature of our relationship with Pakistan—rife as it is with ill will and deep-seated bitterness—India cannot afford to extend the goodwill required to open the Wagah border. The situation between India and China, on the other hand, is different. While the slogan “Hindi-Chini Bhai-Bhai” (Indians and Chinese are brothers) may no longer be raised today, our needs remain such that a significant percentage of our total imports still comes from China. Our pharmaceutical industry, for instance, relies heavily on China for raw materials. India and China are two of the world’s largest nations. If trade between them were to increase, both countries would benefit, as there is no active conflict between them. Historically, there was a market called Kilong near the India-China border in Uttarakhand’s Chamoli district that facilitated trade between the two nations. This market was shut down following the 1962 war. It had been a major hub for trade between India and Tibet; traders from the region would bring wool, pashmina, and borax, while Indian merchants sold them grain, jaggery, spices, and daily necessities. Following the 1962 India-China war, this trade ceased, and the historic Kilong market closed down completely. However, as times change, realities shift as well. Today, the influx of tourists is revitalizing Kilong. Tourists are visiting the Kilong market in large numbers; an area once frequented only by locals now attracts visitors from across the country. Given that there is no active conflict, India-China trade continues, and—despite vocal calls for boycotts—vast quantities of Chinese goods are imported annually, it is time to reopen the Kilong market. The Central Government is implementing the Vibrant Village Programme with an outlay of ₹4,800 crore. Uttarakhand Tourism Minister Satpal Maharaj has stated that if the Khilong-Mandi route is brought under this scheme and developed, it could undoubtedly become a new trade hub with China, potentially reviving the conditions that existed prior to 1962