By Our Reporter

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli went China to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) Summit on Saturday (August 30). Most Nepalis hoped he could convince Beijing that Lipulekh, along with Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, is part of Nepal, and no nation can trade or construct roads therein without Nepal's consent.

It was admirable on Oli's part to bring up the disputed issue of Lipulekh Pass with Chinese President Xi Jinping. While meeting Xi in Tianjin, he reminded Xi about the Sugauli Treaty of 1816 that stipulates clearly that all territory to the east of the Mahakali River is part of Nepal. Oli further sought Chinese help to safeguard Nepal's sovereignty. Meanwhile, PM Oli will be visiting India within two weeks. Whether he will bring up his concerns about Lipulekh to his Indian counterpart and others is a matter of utmost significance to every Nepali citizen. If he does, then he will certainly win many hearts back home, as he did in 2015 while criticizing India's blockade.

However, Xi's reply pointed out a limitation to Nepal's role. Xi reportedly told Oli that the Lipulekh stalemate is a two-nation issue between India and Nepal to be sorted out. The Chinese side does not challenge Nepal's claim on the dispute but will not get involved itself in it. Only a day later, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi met Xi, and both reiterated intentions to boost trade through Lipulekh and reinstate the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route.

For Nepalis, Oli’s main mission in China failed to materialize, as its interests on Lipulekh were to a great extent ignored. Though Oli's protests are reported, but India and China proceeded in a way that disregarded Nepal’s concerns. The event demonstrated how difficult it is for Nepal to protect its borders against two giants. India will treat Lipulekh as being within the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand state, and trade cooperation makes China willing to keep India satisfied.

Experts say Nepal must continue diplomatic efforts with patience and clarity. First, it should keep pushing India through dialogue, using the Sugauli Treaty and old maps to support its claim. Second, Nepal should remind China of its past recognition of Nepali territory. Diplomacy can press China not to undermine Nepal’s position in future deals with India. Third, Nepal should be ready to raise the issue in international forums like the United Nations if bilateral talks fail.

Some researchers even suggest adopting a trilateral relationship between India and China. With this disputed territory having borders between all these states, this could be an official procedure to fix borders. Historical records like centuries old maps favor Nepal’s claim on disputed lands.

The Lipulekh issue is not about geography alone. It is about the right of Nepal to safeguard its land and its voice as a sovereign nation. Oli's trip did not yield the desired results immediately, but it ensured the issue is alive. To Nepali people, the message is loud and clear: our land belongs to us, and safeguarding it calls for patience, persistence, and consistent diplomacy. Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Lipulekh belong to Nepal, and by consistent efforts, this reality has to be acknowledged by everyone. By bringing it up at this level, Oli ensured that Nepal's claim cannot be overlooked. If Nepal continued to keep mum, both nations could have proceeded as if Nepal had no problem. For Nepal, happily, the issue is now officially recorded and has become internationally visible.