Lawmakers deplore India-China trade deal via Lipulek

By A Staff Reporter,Kathmandu, Aug. 22: The House of Representatives, on Thursday, witnessed rare political unity this week as ruling and opposition lawmakers strongly condemned the recent agreement between India and China to resume bilateral trade through the Lipulek pass, territory claimed by Nepal.

The issue arose after India and China agreed to reopen trade routes via Lipulek, which had been closed since the COVID-19 pandemic. In response, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a firm statement asserting that Lipulek is an integral part of Nepal. India swiftly dismissed Nepal’s position, labelling it artificial and unilateral, and insisted that trade through Lipulek had long-standing historical precedence.

Lawmakers from across political spectrum rejected the agreement, claiming it was forged without Nepal’s consent and violated the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Mahesh Bartaula, Chief Whip of the ruling CPN (UML), stated that while Nepal may be small geographically and economically, its sovereignty must be respected. “Any action undermining our independence will face strong opposition,” he said, urging the government to resolve the issue diplomatically.

Hitraj Pandey, Chief Whip of the main opposition CPN (Maoist Centre), echoed similar concerns, highlighting that the inclusion of Lipulek, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura in Nepal’s constitution affirms the nation's claims. He urged the government to take strong diplomatic and political steps with both neighbours to protect Nepal’s sovereignty and national interests.

“I urge the Nepali people to unite in defence of the nation’s sovereignty, integrity, and interests by strengthening national unity,” he added.

Thakur Gaire, another UML MP, criticised India's rejection of Nepal's historical claims, asserting that evidence clearly supports Nepal’s sovereignty over the disputed regions. “China and India should withdraw from the agreement reached without Nepal’s participation,” he said.

The Nepali Congress has also opposed the recent agreement between India and China to resume trade through Lipulek and Kalapani. Speaking in the House of Representatives, General Secretary Gagan Kumar Thapa called the agreement unacceptable and urged all political parties to unite in defence of Nepal’s sovereignty. He emphasised that the matter should not be politicised domestically or used for nationalist rhetoric, but instead be addressed with a unified national stance.

Thapa stressed that Nepal must send a clear message to both neighbouring countries that any attempt to include Nepal’s territory in bilateral agreements without consent is unacceptable. He added that political rivalries should not interfere with national interests and that Nepal must stand firm on issues of territorial integrity. Urging a measured yet resolute approach, Thapa said political parties must come together to reject the agreement and demand respect for Nepal’s sovereignty from both India and China.

MPs from other parties, including the Rastriya Swatantra Party and the Rastriya Prajatantra Party, also raised concerns about the lack of consultation with Nepal. RSP lawmaker Shiva Nepali demanded strong action to protect Nepal's sovereignty, while RPP’s Dhruva Bahadur Pradhan focused on the need for transparency in other governance matters.

Parliamentarians urged the government to brief the House on the situation and take swift diplomatic steps to uphold Nepal’s territorial integrity.