Untenable: Government slams Nepal's remarks on India-China trade through Lipulekh Pass

21-Aug-2025

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The Indian government on August 20 rejected Nepal’s opposition to the resumption of India-China trade through the Lipulekh Pass, calling such claims unjustified, untenable, and devoid of historical facts.

Kathmandu had earlier issued a statement asserting that the southern side of the Lipulekh Pass, known as the Kalapani region, belongs to Nepal. It also said that the government has been urging New Delhi to refrain from carrying out any activities, including trade, in the area.

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". 

However, New Delhi added that India remains open to "constructive interaction" with Nepal on resolving agreed outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy.