KATHMANDU, AUGUST 21
Leaders of all political parties in parliament have voiced a unified stance against the India–China agreement on the use of the Lipulek trade route, reached without Nepal's consent.
Speaking at the House of Representatives meeting on Thursday, lawmakers urged the government to pursue mature diplomatic initiatives and forge all-party consensus on the matter. They said the agreement between India and China undermines Nepal's sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity, stressing the need for strong political and diplomatic action in the national interest.
Nepali Congress General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa stated, "The India–China trade agreement via Lipulek is unacceptable. The government must take appropriate steps based on an all-party consensus to address this issue. Regardless of our differences on domestic matters, all parties in Nepal must present a unified position against the use of Nepali territory."
CPN-UML Secretary Yogesh Bhattarai said the trade agreement through Lipulek was unacceptable to the Nepali people, government, and parliament. "All Nepalis must speak with one voice to safeguard our land. The government must respond immediately," he stressed.
Similarly, CPN (Maoist Centre) Secretary Devendra Paudel emphasized the need for unity in defending Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, and Kalapani. He argued that the government must adopt a diplomatic approach grounded in consensus. "This requires no impulsive statements but a mature diplomatic effort. It should be clearly raised during the Prime Minister's upcoming visits to India and China," he noted.
CPN (Unified Socialist) Vice Chairman Prakash Jwala argued that the agreement violated the principles of Panchsheel and international law. "Kalapani, Lipulek, and Limpiyadhura, located east of the Mahakali River, are indisputably Nepali territory. A bold stance is necessary to protect our sovereignty. The India–China trade agreement must be rejected," he added.
Janata Samajbadi Party lawmaker Ranju Kumari Jha also raised strong concerns over the bilateral agreement, insisting that Lipulek is part of Nepal. "This issue has drawn the full attention of parliament. The government must take decisive diplomatic action and ensure it is raised forcefully during Prime Minister Oli's visits to both neighbors," she said.
Prem Suwal, a lawmaker from the Nepal Workers and Peasant Party, argued that the recurring problem stemmed from Nepal's failure to properly inform the international community about its updated official map, which includes Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, and Kalapani.
Foreign Ministry reiterates Nepal's position
Meanwhile, the government has reaffirmed that Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, and Kalapani, located east of the Mahakali River, are part of Nepal.
In a press statement, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs clarified that Nepal's constitution has formally incorporated the official map reflecting these territories as Nepali land.
Responding to public concern over the India–China trade agreement involving Lipulek, the Ministry urged both sides to refrain from engaging in activities that affect Nepal's sovereignty.
The statement highlighted Nepal's close, cordial, and people-to-people relations with India, while expressing the government's commitment to resolving the matter through historical evidence, official maps, and verification.
It further noted that the Chinese government has also been made aware of Nepal's consistent position regarding the territory.
