An Indian border along China that has never seen conflict

A satellite image taken over Galwan Valley in Ladakh (PLANET LABS INC/via REUTERS)

Though security agencies in Himachal Pradesh have been put on alert following the violent clash between Indian and Chinese troops in Ladakh's Galwan valley, the border area in the state has been characterised more by commerce than by conflict between the two nations.

Trade relations between Tibet and what is now Himachal Pradesh have existed for centuries along an ancient silk route through the mountain pass Shipki La, which now stands at the border of the tribal district of Kinnaur in India and the Tibet Autonomous Region of China.

A miniature version of the once flourishing trade continues to this day, though the Covid-19 pandemic has disrupted it for the time being. For a few months every year beginning June when the snow line recedes, Kinnauri traders ranging from 30 to 90 walk through the pass after obtaining clearance from an ITBP border check-post, and cross over to the other side to sell their products, a district official said.

“They mostly exchange woollen and handloom items such as blankets and carpets. There are around 36 approved items on the export list, and 20 on the import…