Spread the love

Kathmandu, Aug 21: India’s Ministry of External Affairs has issued an official response to Nepal’s position on the resumption of border trade between India and China through Lipulekh.

In a statement released on Wednesday, ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “We have taken note of the comments made by Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the resumption of border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh route.”

He added that India’s position on the matter has been consistent. “Border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh route started in 1954 and has been in operation for decades. It was disrupted in recent years due to COVID and other reasons. Following an agreement between both sides, it has now been decided to resume it,” the statement said.

Rejecting Nepal’s claim over the territory, Jaiswal said, “Territorial claims made in this regard are not based on historical facts or evidence. Such unilateral claims or artificial expansion of territory are unacceptable.”

He also underlined that India remains open to dialogue with Nepal to resolve outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic channels. “India is ready to address the remaining boundary questions with Nepal through dialogue and diplomatic means,” the statement added.

India and China had agreed to resume trade through Lipulekh during the visit of Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi to India. Nepal, objecting to the agreement, reiterated that the land belongs to Nepal.

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has repeatedly urged India not to carry out activities such as road construction, expansion, or border trade in the region, stating that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani are integral parts of Nepal.

In a three-point statement, the ministry said, “The official map of Nepal, which includes Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani east of the Mahakali River as integral parts of Nepal, has already been incorporated in the Constitution. The Government of Nepal’s position is clear on this matter.”

The statement further reiterated Nepal’s call for India to refrain from construction or trade activities in the area, adding that even China has been informed that the territory in question belongs to Nepal.

The ministry said Nepal is prepared to seek a resolution to the issue through diplomatic means. “Guided by the spirit of close and friendly relations between Nepal and India, the Government of Nepal remains committed to resolving the boundary problem on the basis of historical treaties, facts, maps, and evidence through diplomatic channels,” it said.

People’s News Monitoring Service