Paths silken but less trodden

Today, after a gap of 44 years, the Nathu La pass that connects Sikkim to Tibet has been reopened to traffic. There is much bonhomie on either side, reflective perhaps of the increasing degree to which India and China are approaching each other with civility and common sense. The pass had been closed to traffic since the 1962 Sino-Indian war.

My first encounter with Nathu La goes back to Xth grade geography where an overtly pedantic teacher would shave off points if we got the placement of a river or, as in this case, pass wrong by a millimeter. Given that we were both (mis)placing these geographical features on a blank map of India, suffice to say river towns were frequently flooded and mountains routinely brought to their knees.

But Xth grade geography aside, the People's Daily is quick to remind us that the Nathu La pass was one of the main arteries in that most famous of overland trade routes that snaked around much of Asia. And now, that trade can be renewed. While I am sure the opening will do a great deal for Sino-Indian trade, I am more excited at the possibilities this might offer for regional development—of both Sikkim and Tibet.

Most exciting, selfishly speaking, of course, is the prospect—now firmly within the realm of the possible—of actually returning to Delhi via road. Only a few days ago, Beijing officially flagged off the first train to Lhasa. Next summer looks more and more enticing...