Kathmandu: Foreign policy and border experts have stressed the need for a tripartite dialogue among Nepal, India, and China following the recent agreement between India and China to reopen the Lipulekh trade route, a territory claimed by Nepal.
Speaking at a press meet organized by Press Chautari Nepal on Sunday, experts expressed concern over the August 19 India-China deal, saying it undermines Nepal’s sovereignty as the route passes through Nepali territory.
CPN (UML) standing committee member and foreign affairs expert Dr. Rajan Bhattarai said Lipulekh-related disputes must be resolved through dialogue among the three countries, supported by historical evidence. He referred to the Sugauli Treaty, which he said clearly recognizes Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura as Nepal’s territory. “Unity is crucial to safeguard Nepal’s territorial integrity,” he said, criticizing India’s unilateral inclusion of the disputed areas in its official map despite Nepal’s protests.
Nepal-India Border Study Committee Coordinator Dr. Bishnu Uprety also cited “irrefutable evidence” proving the areas belong to Nepal, urging China to take the matter with Nepal seriously. Similarly, border expert Dr. Buddhinarayan Shrestha argued that the issue, once bilateral between Nepal and India, has now become tripartite following the India-China understanding to reopen the route. “The governments of all three countries should engage in dialogue and resolve the matter diplomatically,” he said.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, during his ongoing official visit to China, raised the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Oli reiterated Nepal’s position that Lipulekh lies within Nepali territory and objected to the India-China agreement to use the pass for border trade.
–RSS