India and China agree to reopen Lipulekh trade route

Summary

India and China have agreed to reopen border trade through Lipulekh Pass, a disputed area inside Nepal’s western frontier, following talks during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi’s visit to India.

Key Points
  • India and China agreed to reopen border trade through Lipulekh Pass during Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's visit to India.
  • The agreement includes reopening trade at three points: Lipulekh Pass, Shipki La Pass, and Nathu La Pass.
  • Lipulekh is located within Nepal's claimed territory, leading to longstanding disputes between Nepal, India, and China.
  • Nepal has protested the agreements and published revised political maps asserting claims over Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura.
  • The trade agreement comes ahead of Nepal Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli's planned visits to China and India.
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