India Responds to Nepal's Lipulekh Claims, Advocates for Diplomatic Dialogue

India's Stance on Lipulekh Pass Dispute

On Wednesday, India firmly rejected Nepal's assertions regarding Lipulekh Pass, emphasizing its willingness to engage in constructive dialogue to address unresolved boundary matters through diplomatic channels.

The spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, Shri Randhir Jaiswal, stated, "We have taken note of the remarks made by Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs concerning the resumption of border trade between India and China via Lipulekh Pass. Our stance has been consistent and clear. Border trade through Lipulekh has been ongoing since 1954, but it faced interruptions in recent years due to the pandemic and other factors. Both nations have now agreed to resume this trade. Regarding territorial claims, we maintain that such assertions lack justification and are not supported by historical evidence. Any unilateral expansion of territorial claims is unacceptable. India is open to constructive discussions with Nepal to resolve outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy."

Earlier in the day, Nepal expressed its objections to the agreement between India and China to reopen a trade route through Lipulekh, reaffirming its territorial claims.

In response to media inquiries, Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a statement outlining three key points, asserting its claims over the territory and objecting to the unilateral actions taken by China and India.

The first point of the statement highlighted that the official map of Nepal, which is enshrined in its constitution, designates Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani as integral parts of Nepal, located east of the Mahakali River.

Nepal argues that Lipulekh, along with Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, rightfully belongs to it based on the Sugauli Treaty of 1816.

Additionally, the Ministry reiterated its previous diplomatic efforts and communications with both India and China, asserting that Lipulekh is recognized as Nepali territory.

The statement also noted that the Nepalese government has consistently urged India not to engage in activities such as road construction or border trade in the disputed area, and has informed China that the territory is recognized as belonging to Nepal.