By P.R. Pradhan

During his talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping in Tianjin on Saturday (August 30, 2025), Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli raised objections to the Sino-Indian agreement to open a trade route via Lipulekh, a Nepali territory. In response, President Xi reaffirmed China's commitment to respecting Nepal’s territorial integrity and encouraged bilateral discussions between Nepal and India to resolve the border dispute. PM Oli’s visit to China, a five-day trip at President Xi’s invitation, included attending the SCO Summit in Tianjin and the 80th anniversary of Japan's defeat, held in Beijing.

The primary concern lies with Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura, which are recognized as Nepali territories. Nepal asserts that China and India should not endorse agreements involving these areas without Nepal’s consent. The Lipulekh Pass, opened for trade between China and India, is particularly contentious, as India has forcefully occupied its territory.

Critics argue that foreign-funded scholars and intellectuals in Nepal, allegedly backed by Indian or Western agencies, distort historical facts by blaming King Mahendra for the loss of these territories. However, historical accounts suggest otherwise. King Mahendra, a nationalist monarch, is credited with giving Nepal a modern identity during his decade-long reign. His leadership transformed Nepal into a modern state, yet, his contributions are often undermined by these critics.

According to Bishwabandhu Thapa, Nepal’s home minister during King Mahendra’s reign, India’s request to temporary station the Indian troops in Kalapani came after its humiliating defeat in the 1962 war with China. At the time, Chinese forces had advanced deep into Assam, and India feared further attacks from Kalapani, a strategically sensitive location close to Delhi. Indian Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru wrote a letter to King Mahendra, requesting temporary shelter for Indian troops in Kalapani. After consulting political leaders and diplomats, including ambassador to India, Professor Yadunath Khanal, King Mahendra agreed to assist India during its time of crisis to maintain good neighborly relations.

Historically, the 1816 Sugauli Treaty between Nepal and the British recognized the Mahakali River as Nepal’s western boundary, with all land east of the river including the Mahakali River belonging to Nepal. Additionally, the 1961 Nepal-China border protocol identified Limpiyadhura as the trijunction border point between Nepal, India, and China, reaffirming that these territories belong to Nepal.

Despite this, Nepal’s current weak economic and military position has suppressed its voice in resolving border disputes. India has shown reluctance to engage in meaningful discussions, ignoring Nepal’s repeated requests to settle disputes over territories like Kalapani and Susta. Nepal shares an 1850 km open border with India, with disputes in 77 locations. India’s strategy appears to be keeping Nepal economically dependent and militarily weak to maintain its regional dominance. Nepal must strengthen its economy and military to safeguard its sovereignty.

Another viable option is to revive the proposal to recognize Nepal as a Zone of Peace (ZoP). King Birendra, during his coronation in 1975, proposed this initiative to counter Indian hegemony and establish Nepal as a neutral, peaceful state free from military pacts and foreign bases. The ZoP proposal, which promoted peaceful coexistence in the region, was endorsed by 116 countries. However, it was removed from Nepal’s 1990 constitution without justification, reportedly under Indian influence.

Nepal now faces two choices: militarization or the reinstatement of the ZoP proposal. Strengthening the economy and military would empower Nepal to assert its sovereignty, while the ZoP framework could provide a diplomatic path to ensure Nepal’s independence and territorial integrity.