Kathmandu, August 19, 2025: Nepal has formally objected to the recent understanding between India and China to reopen the Lipulekh Pass for cross-border trade, sending separate diplomatic notes to both New Delhi and Beijing. Kathmandu maintains that Lipulekh, along with Limpiyadhura and Kalapani, belongs to Nepal, as reflected in its official map and constitution.
The move comes after India’s National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, during the 24th round of border talks in New Delhi, agreed to revive three traditional border trade routes, including Lipulekh, which sits at the tri-junction of Nepal, India, and China.
Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said it has raised objections with both countries, reiterating its claim and calling for the dispute to be resolved through diplomatic channels. “We have urged the Chinese side to recognise Lipulekh as Nepali territory and also conveyed to India that this matter must be addressed through talks,” an MoFA official told The Kathmandu Post.
India, however, maintains that trade through Lipulekh has been taking place for decades. “Border trade between India and China through Lipulekh commenced in 1954 and has been going on for decades,” said Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs.
China has yet to issue a public statement, but both countries have acknowledged receipt of Nepal’s diplomatic notes.
Political Reactions Inside Nepal
The deal has triggered strong criticism across Nepal’s political spectrum. Leaders from all major parties condemned the India-China understanding, accusing both nations of ignoring Nepal’s sensitivities. Lawmakers in both the National Assembly and the House of Representatives have demanded Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli raise the issue firmly during his upcoming visits to China and India.
Oli is scheduled to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit in Beijing later this month before travelling to New Delhi on September 16 for an official visit. Officials hinted that boundary issues, including Lipulekh, will figure in his talks with both governments.
Meanwhile, Nepal’s Communication Minister Prithvi Subba Gurung reiterated that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani are integral parts of Nepali territory. “There is factual evidence proving our claim. Corridors and trade routes cannot be built through Nepali land without our consent,” Gurung said in Pokhara. “The solution must come through dialogue, not conflict.”
Historical Context
Lipulekh has long been a point of contention. While India and China have signed multiple agreements over the pass since 1954, Nepal has opposed such arrangements on only a few occasions, most notably in 2015 when New Delhi and Beijing agreed to expand trade through the route. Kathmandu has since repeatedly lodged diplomatic protests, insisting the tri-junction lies within its sovereign boundary.
With India and China once again pressing ahead with cross-border trade through Lipulekh, Nepal finds itself compelled to balance territorial claims with its diplomatic engagements with both neighbors.