Kathmandu: Experts on foreign policy and border-related issues have underscored the need for a tripartite dialogue among Nepal, India, and China regarding a recent agreement between India and China on reopening the Lipulekh trade route. They expressed qualms over the agreement signed on August 19, which allows the reoperation of the traditional trade route passing through Nepali territory.
According to National News Agency Nepal, during a press meet organized by the Press Chautari Nepal, CPN (UML) standing committee member and foreign affairs expert Dr. Rajan Bhattarai emphasized that the Lipulekh-related issues should be addressed through tripartite dialogue, supported by evidence. Bhattarai called for unity to safeguard Nepal’s territorial integrity and referred to the Sugauli Treaty, which clearly mentions that Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura are part of Nepal’s territory. He argued that this treaty strengthens Nepal’s claim over these lands.
Dr. Bhattarai highlighted India’s unilateral decision to alter its official map by including these disputed lands, despite Nepal’s diplomatic protest. He pointed out that after India ignored Nepal’s diplomatic note on this matter, the government of Nepal revised its new map and incorporated those areas to assert its claim over the territory.
Likewise, Nepal-India Border Study Committee’s Coordinator Dr. Bishnu Uprety mentioned that there were irrefutable evidences proving that Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura belong to Nepal, with the Sugauli Treaty being a major supporting document. He noted that during the British rule in India, there were vested interests in Nepal’s natural, religious, and trade resources. He urged China to take the border issue with Nepal seriously.
Border expert Dr. Buddhinarayan Shrestha added that there were sufficient evidences to prove that Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura are Nepal’s territory. He argued that while the issue was initially a bilateral matter between Nepal and India, it now has become a tripartite issue after India and China reached an understanding to reopen the trade route using the Lipulekh area. “The government of the three countries should engage in dialogue and address the matter through diplomatic dealings,” he said.
It may be noted that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, who is currently on an official visit to China, raised the issue during a bilateral meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping. During the meeting, PM Oli clearly stated that Lipulekh belongs to Nepal and objected to the recent India-China agreement on border trade through the Lipulekh pass.