India rejects Nepal's objections on Lipulekh trade, calls territorial claims 'untenable'

India on Wednesday rejected Nepal’s objections to the resumption of border trade with China through the Lipulekh Pass, calling Kathmandu’s territorial claims “untenable” and “not grounded in historical facts.”

The statement came after Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs voiced concerns over the reopening of trade through the Himalayan pass, which lies on the India–China border but is also claimed by Nepal.

The development follows the decision by India and China to restart border trade through three designated routes — Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass and Nathu La Pass.

Responding to media queries on the matter, the Ministry of External Affairs’ Official Spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, said, “We have noted the comments of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal related to resumption of border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh Pass. Our position in this regard has been consistent and clear. Border trade between India and China through Lipulekh pass had commenced in 1954 and has been going on for decades. This trade had been disrupted in recent years due to Covid and other developments, and both sides have now agreed to resume it.”