Monday, April 4 2005 21:32 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Gangtok: Ahead of the visit of Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao to India, Home Minister Shivraj Patil today (Apr 4, 2005) visited the Nathula pass in Sikkim, through which border trade between the two countries is to start, to assess the "internal security situation".

"I have seen myself what can be done there to improve the situation," Patil told reporters after visiting the 14,000 feet high snow-clad pass.

Patil said that after returning to Delhi, he would discuss the situation at the pass with his "associates" including in the External Affairs and Defence Ministries.

Asked whether border trade through the pass was expected to start soon, he said, "I did not go there to start the trade. I went to see the internal security situation."

"After discussing with my associates, we all can see (about reopening of trade)," he said.

The Sino-Indian agreement on resumption of border trade through Nathula in Sikkim was made when former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee visited China in 2003.

The reopening of the trade route, however, was deferred after formation of the UPA (United Progressive Alliance) Government at the Centre.