Nepal opposes India-China trade through Lipulekh Pass, Delhi dismisses objection

NEW DELHI: Border trade between India and China through Lipulekh Pass had commenced in 1954 and had been going on for decades till it was disrupted by Covid and other developments, said Indian government on Wednesday as Nepal objected to the announcement by India and China that they would reopen that bilateral border trade route.

India also rejected Nepal's claim over Lipulekh, saying any unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims was untenable.

The Nepal foreign ministry had earlier said in a statement that it had consistently urged India not to undertake activities such as road construction, expansion or border trade in that area. Kathmandu had objected to a similar decision by India and China in 2015 to include Lipulekh Pass as a bilateral trade route, saying the territory belonged to Nepal.

Taking note of the comments by Nepal related to resumption of border trade between India and China through Lipulekh, the MEA said India's position in this regard had been consistent and clear.

"Border trade between India and China through Lipulekh Pass had commenced in 1954 and has been going on for decades. This trade had been disrupted in recent years due to Covid and other developments, and both sides have now agreed to resume it," said MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

As regards territorial claims, he added, India's position remains that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. "India remains open to constructive interaction with Nepal on resolving agreed outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy," said the official.

Nepal is likely to raise the issue bilaterally with India. Kathmandu has been urging India to address the border issue and PM K P Sharma Oli is likely to raise it again with India when he visits New Delhi next month.


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