Lawmakers Criticize India-China Trade Deal Through Lipulek Without Nepal’s Consent

Lawmakers of all major political parties voiced strong objections in parliament on Thursday against the India-China agreement to conduct trade through Lipulek without Nepal’s consent, calling it a violation of the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Speaking at the meeting of the House of Representatives, leaders urged the government to take diplomatic steps and forge an all-party consensus to address the issue. They stressed that Nepal must defend its national interest through both political and diplomatic means.

Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa said, “The India-China trade agreement via Lipulek is unacceptable. The government needs to take proper initiative based on all-party consensus. Irrespective of our differences on domestic issues, all parties must adopt a unified position against the use of Nepali territory.”

CPN-UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai echoed similar sentiments, stating, “The agreement is unacceptable to the Nepali people, government, and parliament. All Nepalis must speak with one voice to protect our land, and the government should respond immediately.”

CPN (Maoist Centre) Secretary Devendra Paudel called for national unity to safeguard Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, and Kalapani. “We need diplomatic initiatives backed by consensus—not impulsive reactions. This issue must be clearly raised during the prime minister’s upcoming visits to India and China,” he said.

Prakash Jwala, vice chairman of the CPN (Unified Socialist), described the agreement as a violation of the Panchsheel principles and international law. “Kalapani, Lipulek, and Limpiyadhura east of the Mahakali River belong to Nepal. A bold stance is essential to protect our sovereignty,” he added.

Janata Samajbadi Party lawmaker Ranju Kumari Jha also expressed serious concern, saying, “The entire parliament is focused on this matter. The government must take strong diplomatic measures and raise this issue during Prime Minister Oli’s upcoming visits to both neighbors.”

Prem Suwal of the Nepal Workers and Peasants Party argued that the problem persists because Nepal has not sufficiently informed the international community about its official map, which includes Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, and Kalapani.

Foreign Ministry Reaffirms Nepal’s Territorial Claim

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated that Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, and Kalapani—located east of the Mahakali River—are integral parts of Nepal.

In a statement, the ministry noted that Nepal’s constitution incorporates an official map including these territories. Responding to public concerns over the India-China trade agreement, the ministry urged both countries to refrain from activities that disregard Nepal’s sovereignty.

The statement highlighted Nepal’s “deep-rooted and cordial” ties with India and expressed the government’s commitment to resolving the issue on the basis of historical facts, maps, and verification. It also said that the Chinese government has been informed of Nepal’s position on the matter. -- RSS