Nepal's Border Dispute with India Resurfaces Amid Diplomatic Efforts

Strategic Insights -

Nepal's dispute with India over the Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura regions has resurfaced, just weeks before Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli's visit to New Delhi. The controversy arose following an agreement between Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and India's National Security Adviser Ajit Doval to reopen three trading routes, including Lipulekh. The Nepal government has expressed its opposition to the deal, citing it as a threat to its sovereignty.

Key Takeaways:

  • The agreement between China and India to reopen trading routes, including Lipulekh, has been met with opposition from the Nepal government, which claims the regions in question are "integral parts of Nepali territory."
  • The Nepal Foreign Ministry has formally informed India and China not to carry out activities in the disputed areas.
  • India has rejected Nepal's claims, stating that border trade through Lipulekh has existed since 1954 and was disrupted in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other developments.
  • Lawmakers across party lines in Nepal have raised the issue in Parliament, with members declaring that unilaterally deciding the use of Nepali territory is not acceptable.
  • Notable lawmakers, including Kamal Thapa and Mahesh Bartaula, have urged Prime Minister Oli to raise the matter in his upcoming visits to Beijing and New Delhi.
  • Nepali Congress leader Bishwa Prakash Sharma has stated that all parties are united on the issue.

Statistics:

  • Since 1954, border trade through Lipulekh has existed between India and Nepal.
  • The COVID-19 pandemic and other developments disrupted border trade in recent years.
  • Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli is scheduled to visit India on September 16, just days after attending the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in China.
  • The disputed regions of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura lie east of the Mahakali River.

Sources:

  • The Indian Express (P) Ltd, Copyright 2025 IE Online Media Services Pvt. Ltd., distributed by Contify.com.