Lawmakers decry India–China trade agreement via Lipulek without Nepal’s consent

KATHMANDU: Leaders of all political parties in parliament on Thursday expressed unified opposition to the India–China agreement on a trade route through Lipulek, reached without Nepal’s consent.

Speaking in the House of Representatives on Thursday, they urged mature diplomatic initiatives and all-party consensus. They described the India–China deal via Lipulek as an attack on Nepal’s sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity, and called on the government to pursue both political and diplomatic efforts in the national interest.

Gagan Kumar Thapa, General Secretary of Nepali Congress, said, ‘The India–China trade agreement via Lipulek is unacceptable. The government must take proper initiative based on all-party consensus to address this issue. Irrespective of differing domestic views, all parties in Nepal must adopt a unified position against the use of Nepali territory.’

Yogesh Bhattarai, Secretary of CPN (UML), described the agreement as unacceptable to Nepali citizens, the government and parliament. ‘All Nepalis must speak with one voice to protect Nepali land, and the government must respond immediately,’ he added.

Devendra Paudel, secretary of the CPN (Maoist Centre), called for national unity to defend Limpiyadhura, Lipulek and Kalapani. He urged a diplomatic initiative with all-party backing. ‘We need a mature diplomatic approach, not impulsive reactions. This matter must be raised clearly during the Prime Minister’s forthcoming visits to India and China,’ he said.

Prakash Jwala, Vice Chairperson of CPN (Unified Socialist), asserted that the agreement breaches the principles of panchsheel and international law. ‘Kalapani, Lipulek and Limpiyadhura east of the Mahakali River belong to Nepal,’ he argued, adding that the deal must be rejected to safeguard national interests.

Ranju Kumari Jha of Janata Samajbadi Party warned that the agreement, which includes use of Lipulek, has drawn the entire parliament’s attention. ‘The government must make every diplomatic effort and raise this issue during the Prime Minister’s imminent visits to both neighbours,’ she said.

Prem Suwal of Nepal Workers and Peasant Party criticised Nepal’s failure to inform the international community of its revised map, which incorporates Limpiyadhura, Lipulek and Kalapani, for the recurring dispute.

Foreign Ministry statement

The government has reaffirmed that Limpiyadhura, Lipulek and Kalapani east of the Mahakali River belong to Nepal. In a press statement, the Foreign Ministry noted that the constitution incorporates these areas into the official map.

Responding to media concern over the India–China trade agreement via Lipulek, the ministry urged both sides to refrain from using Nepali territory. It also emphasised the close, cordial, people-to-people relations between Nepal and India and pledged to resolve the issue using historical records, maps and verification. The statement added that the Chinese government has been informed of Nepal’s territorial claims.

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