Kathmandu, Aug 20: India has dismissed Nepal’s objections over the operation of the Lipulekh border trade route, saying Kathmandu’s claims are neither justified nor backed by historical evidence.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said border trade between India and China through Lipulekh has been taking place since 1954 and has continued for decades. ‘Although it was disrupted for some time due to COVID-19 and other reasons, trade has now resumed with mutual consent of both sides,’ Jaiswal noted.
Rejecting Nepal’s stance, he remarked, “Such claims are neither legitimate nor supported by historical facts. Any unilateral and artificial assertion is unacceptable.”
India, however, reiterated that it remains open to talks with Nepal through dialogue and diplomatic channels to resolve outstanding boundary-related issues.
