By Nityanjali Bulsu
Nepal’s Rashtriya Swatantrata Party (RSP) sent two diplomatic notes about the trade talks between India and China, especially with regards to the Lipulekh trade route, through which trade had been taking place for decades; a region in Nepal.
Now, the Rashtriya Swatantrata Party has further affirmed its position on the Lipulekh issue, raising concerns over the trade talks between India and China which involve the reopening of the trade routes that have been traditionally used between India and China. Nepal claims the area as its own territory, a claim that India has categorically rejected as “neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence”.
According to a statement issued by the head of RSP’s International Relations Department, Mr, Shishir Khanal, the Nepalese Constitution, as well as the Sugauli Treaty clearly states that the regions of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura were parts of the Nepalese Sovereign Territory. Khanal also added in his statement how no other agreement of any other country on Nepali land can be deemed valid without Nepal’s consent.
To add to these concerns, the RSP has urged their Prime Minister Oli to work on the resolution of issues stemming from within the country alongside dealing with the India-China trade route issues.
On 19th August, India and China agreed to use the original trade routes, including the Lipulekh pass route, which was vehemently argued upon by the Nepalese party. This issue, as well as the objection raised by Nepal, was rejected by India’s External Affairs Ministry today.
He further said that those kinds of claims don’t hold up and they’re not backed by facts or history. Trying to expand territory like that on their own does not work efficiently. India, though, is still willing to talk things out with Nepal and work through the unresolved border issues through talks and diplomacy.
In light of this scenario, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli has decided to visit China for the Shanghai Cooperation Summit later in month, along with making a tour to India approximately during September 16th.
“No activity or agreement by any country on Nepali land is valid without Nepal’s consent,”