India has termed Nepal's claim on Lipulekh as incorrect and baseless. India and China have decided to resume border trade after decades. India stated that border disputes can be resolved through dialogue, not unilateral claims.
India-Nepal Border: Nepal has once again laid claim to the Lipulekh pass, stating that it is a part of its territory. India has directly rejected this claim. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that Nepal's claim is neither justified nor based on historical facts. The Ministry spokesperson clearly stated that this area is an integral part of India and there should be no dispute over it. India also clarified that such claims by Nepal create unnecessary tension in the relations between the two countries.
India-China Agree on Border Trade via Lipulekh
India and China share a long history of border trade through the Lipulekh pass. This trade, which began in 1954, continued for many decades. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic and some other reasons, this trade was suspended for some time. Now, India and China have jointly decided to resume it. Immediately after this decision, Nepal raised objections and stated that Lipulekh is a part of its territory. India has completely rejected this statement from Nepal and said that this claim is far from reality.
Nepal's Old Claim and the 2020 Dispute
In 2020, Nepal released a new political map, which showed Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Lipulekh as part of Nepal. This move increased tension in India-Nepal relations. Even then, India had made it clear that these areas belong to India and Nepal's claim is completely wrong. At that time too, India had said that any issue related to the border can be resolved through dialogue and mutual understanding, not by changing maps.
India's Position Clear: Claim is Neither Justified Nor Historical
The spokesperson of the Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that Nepal's claim is not based on any historical facts or legal evidence. India and China have been trading through Lipulekh for many decades. This area has always been under India's authority. Any kind of unilateral claim will not be valid. India has said that border related issues can only be resolved through mutual dialogue and diplomatic means.
Trade Has Been Conducted Through Lipulekh for Many Decades
India and China have a long history of trade through the Lipulekh pass. This trade started in 1954 and continued without any interruption for many years. In recent years, it has been affected due to Covid-19 and other reasons. Now, when both countries have jointly decided to resume it, Nepal's opposition has come to the fore. Rejecting Nepal's objection, India said that trade activities are based on historical agreements and mutual consent.
India's Offer to Nepal
India has made it clear that it is always ready for dialogue to resolve any pending border issues with Nepal. The Indian Ministry of External Affairs said that border related claims should be resolved only through mutual dialogue and diplomacy. Unilateral claims will not solve the problem. India has assured Nepal that it welcomes meaningful dialogue to maintain friendly relations between the two countries.
