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By Deepak Joshi Pokhrel

The recent deal on Lipulekh between India and China in New Delhi has raised the eyebrows of every Nepali. Most importantly, the deal to reopen the trade route through the disputable Lipulekh has upset Nepal – something that was not expected. Following the deal, every Nepali is raising a pertinent question: why was Nepal not involved in the trade agreement reached through Lipulekh – a trijunction where the borders of Nepal, India, and China meet?

Just to recall, the 1816 Sugauli treaty fixed the Kali River as Nepal’s western border. Since the river originates in Limpiyadhura, all land east of it – including Kalapani and Lipulekh – belongs to Nepal. Nevertheless, a 370 sq km area in Byas Rural Municipality is under India’s Pithoragarh district. India claims the Lipukhola, a tributary east of Limpiyadhura. Kalapani lies at an elevation of 3600 m, Lipulekh at 5115 m and Limpiyadhura at 5500 m. Lipulekh was historically a trade and pilgrimage route to Mansarovar. But now Nepalese can only go 22 km below the pass. India controls the entry gate at Kalapani and has stationed troops there since 1962. Ever since the Indian troops occupied Kalapani in 1962, the matter has troubled Nepal. What is even agonising is that despite Nepal’s repeated calls to sit for dialogue to resolve the issue once and for all, the New Delhi administration has given us the cold shoulder.

In November 2019, India’s inclusion of Kalapani within its territory on its new political map had created an uproar in Nepal and left Kathmandu scrambling for a response. Six months later, while the entire globe was struggling to contain the spread of the COVID-19 pandemic, New Delhi announced the opening of a road link in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh via the Lipulekh pass – the disputed area. In response, Nepal published its new political map incorporating areas of Kalapani, Limipiyadura and Lipulekh, asserting its claim over the territory which borders with China and India.

The swift and aggressive response of Kathmandu irked New Delhi, widening the rift even further. Many Indian observers even went on to say that we raised the issue of Lipulekh at the behest of China. Similarly, the Indian national media – both print and electronic – published some disrespectful cartoons of PM Oli hinting he is dancing to the tune of his northern neighbour. While the Lipulekh issue was gaining currency, New Delhi did not hesitate to say that Nepal was playing the China card. But now, it is crystal clear that it is India which is playing a China card against Nepal. The best manifestation of this is the recent deal on Lipulekh between India and China without the involvement of Nepal.

It is really very strange that India, which claims to be the largest democratic country, does not respect the sovereignty of its immediate neighbour. It is very surprising to see China not considering the involvement of Nepal while inking the agreement. With India and China bypassing Nepal, there are growing concerns arguing that the sovereignty of Nepal is blatantly disregarded – something which is truly deplorable.

What is even very disheartening is the fact that the agreement between India and China was signed just before our PM is visiting Tianjin, at the end of this month, to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. Soon after this, he will pay a visit to India after an official invitation from his Indian counterpart, Narendra Modi. With the renewed agreement between India and China, pressure is now mounting on Oli to take up the matter with the two countries’ leadership.

But one thing which is very encouraging amidst this development that unfolded in New Delhi just recently is the collective action of our politicians. Usually, our political parties and their leaders, which often engage in blame games and squabbling over petty issues, came together with a collective voice. Very often they agree to disagree on issues of public interest. But this time, they buried their hatchets and differences and came together under one banner, saying the agreement undermines Nepal’s sovereignty.

Over the years, the Nepal government has consistently urged the government of India not to carry out any activities such as road construction/expansion of border trade in that area. But Nepal’s request was given short shrift by the New Delhi administration, giving the impression that it is economically powerful and can dictate to the smaller and economically weak nation.

India and China are emerging powerhouses of the region. Both have surprised the West with their rapid economic growth. They have remained Nepal’s all-weather friend in its overall development – political and economic. But their recent move that unfolded in New Delhi has certainly upset Nepal and hurt the sentiment of the Nepalese.

The upcoming visit of the PM to both China and India should be taken as an opportunity to raise the issue with high emphasis. The PM should take diplomatic and political steps to defend national sovereignty. India and China cannot take this route bilaterally without Nepal’s consent. This violates international law and reflects hegemony. We have sided with India right from its war against the British for its independence and for defending and strengthening democracy. Likewise, Nepal has always adhered to the One China policy and has never allowed its soil for any anti-Chinese activities. But it is very disappointing to see both nations undermining our sovereignty. We hope the visit of the PM will play a crucial role in raising the issues and addressing them amicably.