Nepal's Ruling CPN-UML Opposes India-China Lipulekh Trade Deal

Kathmandu, Sep 8 (PTI) Nepal's ruling CPN-UML party has voiced concerns over a recent agreement between India and China to reopen border trade via the Lipulekh pass, calling for both countries to abandon the deal. India and China recently decided to recommence border trade through Lipulekh and two other points, sparking controversy. Nepal asserts that Lipulekh is a part of its territory, a claim India firmly rejects, stating it is unsupported by historical facts and evidence. The CPN-UML has called on Nepal's government to engage in high-level diplomatic efforts to address the issue, reaffirming Nepal's claim to territory east of the Kali River, which includes Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Lipulekh, according to party sources. This stance was part of a 28-point proposal adopted at the second national convention of the CPN-UML, led by Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli, held from September 5–7 in Lalitpur district's Godavari Municipality. The party urged the withdrawal of the Lipulekh trade agreement by both nations. The proposal highlighted Prime Minister Oli’s disagreement with the Lipulekh trade route deal during his recent visit to China, suggesting it has strengthened Nepal’s international image. It also referenced bilateral and multilateral discussions during this visit that further enhanced Nepal’s global reputation. Furthermore, the convention underscored the seven-point agreement between the UML and Nepali Congress under Oli’s leadership, which is said to have ushered in political stability. In 2020, Nepal escalated a border dispute by releasing a political map depicting Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Lipulekh as part of its territory, a claim India vehemently opposed. India’s External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal reaffirmed India’s consistent and clear stance on the matter. He stated that border trade between India and China through Lipulekh pass began in 1954 and had been ongoing for decades until recent disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic and other factors. Now, both nations have agreed to resume this trade.