Kathmandu: The Government of Nepal has expressed serious objection to the bilateral trade agreement between India and China through Nepali territory at Lipulekh. In a statement issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the government reiterated that the official map of Nepal, as included in the Constitution, clearly shows that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani, located to the east of the Mahakali River, are integral parts of Nepal’s territory.

The Government of Nepal has been consistently requesting India not to undertake any activities such as road construction, expansion, or cross-border trade in that area, as it lies within Nepali territory. The ministry also reminded that Nepal has informed its friendly neighbor, China, about this matter. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that Nepal remains committed to resolving the boundary issue between Nepal and India through diplomatic means, based on the spirit of the close and friendly relations between the two countries and guided by historical treaties, agreements, facts, maps, and evidence.

The recent agreement between India and China to open bilateral trade through the Lipulekh Pass, which lies within Nepal’s territory, was reached during the two-day India visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.Back in May 14, 2015, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to China, reached an agreement with his Chinese counterpart Li Keqiang to enhance bilateral trade through the Lipulekh Pass. At that time, Nepal had immediately objected and sent diplomatic notes to both countries.

In 2014, the Nepal–India Joint Commission at the foreign minister level had assigned the foreign secretaries of both nations the responsibility to resolve border disputes in areas including Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Susta. However, no meeting of this mechanism has ever taken place.