India, China revive Lipulekh trade, Nepal left watching from the sidelines
Summary
India and China have agreed to reopen trade through the Lipulekh pass, a territory claimed by Nepal but disputed between the countries, without Nepal's consultation. The deal also includes other border crossings and cooperation on air services and river management.
Key Points
- India and China agreed to resume trade through the disputed Lipulekh pass as part of a broader deal including Shipki La and Nathu La crossings.
- Nepal claims Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura as its sovereign territory and was not consulted in the bilateral negotiations between India and China.
- India continues to use the Lipulekh-Kalapani corridor for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimages despite Nepal's objections.
- India and China also agreed to resume direct passenger flights and enhance cooperation on unresolved boundary issues and cross-border river management.
