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The MEA dismissed Nepal’s concerns over India-China border trade through Lipulekh Pass, calling Nepal’s territorial claims “untenable.”
External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal (IMAGE: X)
The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) dismissed Nepal’s objections to the resumption of India–China border trade through the Lipulekh Pass, describing Kathmandu’s territorial claims as “untenable” and “not grounded in historical facts.”
The response came after Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs raised concerns over the reopening of trade through the Himalayan pass, which lies on the India–China border but is also claimed by Nepal.
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This development follows the decision by India and China to revive border trade through three designated points- Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass and Nathu La Pass.
What MEA Said On Lipulekh Pass Trade
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have noted the comments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal related to the resumption of border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh Pass. Our position has been consistent and clear.”
He emphasized that “border trade between India and China through Lipulekh began in 1954 and has continued for decades. It was interrupted in recent years due to the Covid pandemic and other developments, but both sides have now agreed to resume it.”
Reiterating India’s stance, Jaiswal added that “Nepal’s territorial claims are neither justified nor supported by historical facts and evidence,” while stressing that India remains open to dialogue with Nepal on resolving “agreed outstanding boundary issues” through diplomatic channels.
What Nepal Had Said On Lipulekh Pass
In its earlier statement, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintained, “The Government of Nepal has consistently urged the Government of India not to undertake activities such as road construction, expansion, or border trade in that area. The Government of Nepal has also conveyed to our friendly neighbor, China, that the territory belongs to Nepal.”
The statement further underlined Kathmandu’s commitment to diplomacy, noting, “In keeping with the spirit of close and friendly relations between Nepal and India, the Government of Nepal remains dedicated to resolving the boundary issue between the two countries on the basis of historical treaties, agreements, facts, maps, and evidence- through peaceful and diplomatic means.”
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