India rejects Nepal’s objection to Lipulekh trade route, calls claims “untenable”

India dismissed Nepal’s opposition to the reopening of border trade with China through the Lipulekh Pass, asserting that Kathmandu’s territorial claims were “unjustified, untenable, and not supported by historical facts.”

The response came after Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs objected to the resumption of trade between India and China via the Himalayan route that passes through the Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura region.

Nepal insists the territory lies within its borders, citing historical treaties and its official map.

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reiterated India’s long-standing position.

“We have noted the comments of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal related to the resumption of border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh Pass. Our position in this regard has been consistent and clear. Border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh Pass 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,” he said in a statement.

Rejecting Nepal’s stance, Jaiswal described Kathmandu’s claims as a “unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims” and reaffirmed that Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura belong to India.

“As regards territorial claims, our position remains that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Any unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable. India remains open to constructive interaction with Nepal on resolving agreed outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy,” he added.

Nepal’s foreign ministry, however, reiterated that the disputed territory was an “inseparable part of Nepal.”

“The Nepal government is clear that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani, situated East of the Mahakali river, are inseparable parts of Nepal. These are also officially incorporated in the Nepalese map, included in the Constitution as well,” the statement read.

Kathmandu said it has consistently opposed any construction or trade activity in the area, adding that it had formally conveyed to both India and China that the territory lies within Nepalese borders.

“It is a well-known fact that the Nepal government has been requesting the government of India not to construct or expand roads and indulge in any kind of activity such as border trade in the territory,” foreign ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Chhetri said.

Nepal also emphasised its commitment to resolving the dispute diplomatically. “The Nepal government is committed to resolving the border issue between the two countries through diplomatic channels on the basis of historical treaty - agreement, facts, map and other evidence complying with the spirit of cordial and friendly relations existing between Nepal and India,” it said.

The controversy follows a joint announcement in New Delhi after talks between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, where India and China agreed to reopen border trade through three designated passes — Lipulekh, Shipki La, and Nathu La.

Nepal updated its political map in June 2020, formally incorporating Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura after amending its Constitution, a move that has remained a major point of contention with India.