Editorial | Starting anew on Lipulekh
Summary
Nepal continues to assert its traditional claim over Lipulekh amidst ongoing border trade agreements between India and China, urging for tripartite consultations involving all three countries.
Key Points
- Nepal has repeatedly communicated its claim over Lipulekh to India and China but has not been seriously entertained by either neighbour.
- India-China border trade through Lipulekh is set to resume after six years, without Nepal's consultation.
- India dismisses Nepal's claim, labeling it unjustified and historically unsupported, while China calls the issue bilateral between India and Nepal.
- The incoming Rastriya Swatantra Party government aims to raise the issue at the highest levels and seek a tripartite agreement on Lipulekh trade.
- A new government stance starting fresh might open diplomatic opportunities to resolve the dispute more constructively.
