Nathu La is at the opposite end of that spectrum. In August 2025, India and China agreed to reopen trade through Nathu La, Shipki La and Lipulekh. Indian-side studies and Chinese reporting do not always yield directly comparable historical totals for Nathu La. This would make Nathu La a laboratory of managed interdependence: cooperation substantial enough to create benefits, yet bounded enough to keep risks controllable. The reopening of Nathu La offers India and China an opportunity to move beyond symbolism and to test a practical model of managed interdependence at the border.