PM Shah: Diplomatic efforts underway on Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura dispute
KATHMANDU: The issue of trade route construction between India and China in Nepal-claimed territories of Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura was raised in the House of Representatives on Sunday, with lawmakers urging the government to clarify its position on the matter.
Opposition lawmaker Padma Aryal of the CPN-UML drew the government’s attention to concerns over Nepal’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, questioning bilateral agreements between India and China that exclude Nepal despite the disputed area’s direct relevance to the country.
Aryal noted that the territories have already been incorporated into Nepal’s official map and argued that any discussion involving the region should be a trilateral matter. She sought clarification on the government’s diplomatic efforts regarding the issue.
Responding in Parliament, Prime Minister Balen Shah said the Nepal government has already sent a formal diplomatic note to India concerning the Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura dispute.
According to the Prime Minister, India has proposed resolving the issue through dialogue involving historians, survey experts and border specialists from both countries under a joint mechanism.
Shah also revealed that discussions are underway with the United Kingdom, stating that Nepal believes Britain has a role to play in addressing the longstanding border issue, given its historical connection to the region during the era of British India.
The Prime Minister informed the House that the government remains confident that all border-related disputes can be resolved through diplomatic channels and constructive negotiations.
