Darjeeling, Sept 26: Defence Minister George Fernandes today said the Centre was trying to start Sino-Indian trade through Sikkim's Nathula pass at an early date. The route, once opened, would give a fillip to trade and commerce in the region, he said. An agreement to open the Nathula pass was reached during Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee's recent visit to China.
Inaugurating a mobile clinic donated to the Tibetan refuge Centre by a Taiwan NGO at Lebong here, Fernandes said India was always eager to expand its relation with China for the socio-economic development of the two nations.
Fernandes said China was now changing its Tibet policy for the benefit of Tibetans and India was happy with the development.

Bureau Report