• Investment World
• eWorld
• Brand Line
• Mentor
• Life
• Canvas
• Praxis
• Urban Pulse
• Brand Quest
• The New Manager

Stocks

• Quotes
• SE Diary
• Scoreboard
• Open-End Mutual Fund

Cross Currency

• Rates
  
  

Shipping

• Ports
  
  

Archives

• Yesterday
• Datewise
• Resources
• In Focus
• In Depth

Group Sites

• The Hindu
• Business Line
• Sportstar
• Frontline
• The Hindu eBooks
• The Hindu Images

Sudhanshu Ranade

Chennai , July 18

Have you sometimes wondered why the opening up of trade between India and China at Nathu La has made it to the front pages; though the 14,400 ft high pass is not evenly remotely near any major industrial or commercial centre in either country?

Why make such a song and dance about the opening up of a trade post, which is likely only to facilitate trade of a few mountain goats, firewood and small potatoes?

The answer lies in the political rather than geographical significance of Nathu La, situated as it is not on the border between India and the `autonomous' Tibetan province of China, but, on the border between Tibet and the hitherto `disputed' Indian state of Sikkim.

Though the former Indian protectorate of Sikkim was constitutionally incorporated into India more than 21years ago, in May 1975, China has never till now conceded Sikkim a legitimate part of India.

It is in this context that the opening up of trade at the pass between India (rather than Sikkim) and China is a major break-through.

More Stories on : Roadways | Foreign Trade

Article E-Mail :: Comment :: Syndication :: Printer Friendly Page

Stories in this Section
Air Deccan announces free ticket offer

Copyright © 2006, The Hindu Business Line. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu Business Line