Lipulekh Territorial Dispute: Nepal Affirms Territory Amid India-China Trade Resumption

Nepal's foreign ministry has reiterated that Lipulekh is an inseparable part of its territory, included in its official map. This statement follows the resumption of border trade between India and China through Lipulekh Pass.

Following an agreement between India and China to restart border trade via Lipulekh, Nepal asserted that the region is an integral part of its territory. The Nepalese government emphasised that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani, located east of the Mahakali River, are officially included in Nepal's map and Constitution.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India responded to Nepal's claims, stating they lack historical basis. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal highlighted that border trade through Lipulekh Pass began in 1954 and has continued for decades. It was disrupted recently due to COVID-19 and other factors but is set to resume.

Border Trade Resumption

A joint statement from talks in New Delhi between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi confirmed the reopening of border trade. The designated trading points include Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass, and Nathu La Pass.

Nepal's foreign ministry issued a statement addressing media inquiries about the India-China announcement. The ministry reiterated Nepal's request to India not to expand roads or engage in activities like border trade in the disputed territory.

Nepal's Position on Territorial Claims

Nepal has informed China that the area in question lies within its territory. The Nepalese government remains committed to resolving the border issue with India through diplomatic channels based on historical treaties, agreements, maps, and evidence.

In June 2020, Nepal updated its political map by incorporating Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura into its Constitution. India described this as a "unilateral act" and deemed the "artificial enlargement" of territorial claims as "untenable."

Nepal shares a border of over 1,850 km with five Indian states: Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The ongoing territorial dispute underscores the need for diplomatic dialogue between the neighbouring countries.

With inputs from PTI