Returnee Federation Nepal Strongly Protests India–China Trade Agreement via Lipulekh

Kathmandu — Returnee Federation Nepal has strongly objected to the recent announcement made by India’s Ministry of External Affairs regarding the agreement between India and China to resume cross-border trade through Lipulekh during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s official visit to India.

In a press release, Federation President Binod Prasad Bhattarai stated that Nepal cannot accept any interference in its sovereignty and territorial integrity.

He stressed that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani—located east of the Mahakali River—are integral parts of Nepal, which are also included in Nepal’s official map published in the Constitution. He further reminded that the Government of Nepal has repeatedly urged India not to undertake any activities such as road expansion or border trade in the area.

The Federation also highlighted that China had already been informed that the disputed region belongs to Nepal, and therefore urged the Chinese government to make its official position on the matter public.

Recalling the centuries-old friendship between Nepal and India, the Federation called upon both governments to resolve all boundary disputes immediately through diplomatic channels, based on historical treaties, facts, maps, and evidence.

“No agreement or understanding concerning Nepal’s territory is acceptable without Nepal’s consent,” Bhattarai warned.