Untenable: Centre rejects Nepal's remarks over India-China trade via Lipulekh
PTC News Desk: The government on Wednesday dismissed Nepal’s objections to the reopening of India-China trade via the Lipulekh Pass, describing Kathmandu’s claims as baseless, unjustified, and historically inaccurate.
Earlier, Nepal had reiterated that the southern side of the Lipulekh Pass, known as the Kalapani region, falls within its territory and urged India to avoid undertaking any activities, including trade, in the disputed area. In response, New Delhi emphasized that while it does not accept Nepal’s position, it remains open to "constructive dialogue" to address mutually agreed boundary matters through diplomatic channels.
Slamming these remarks, India responded, saying, "As regards territorial claims, our position remains that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Any unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable".
The Ministry of External Affairs specified that "our position in this regard has been consistent and clear. Border trade between India and China through Lipulekh Pass commenced in 1954 and has been going on for decades, until it was disrupted in recent years "due to Covid and other developments".
The decision to revive border trade through Lipulekh was announced on August 19 during the Chinese Foreign Minister’s visit to India, as part of efforts by New Delhi and Beijing to normalize relations strained since the Galwan clash.
- With inputs from agencies
