Kathmandu, March 22: India is set to construct a well-equipped customs checkpoint in Lipulekh Pass, a territory claimed by Nepal, to facilitate trade with China.
According to the Indian news agency PTI, construction work at the trade point, which has been halted for six years, is scheduled to resume this year (2026). India claims Lipulekh Pass as its own territory.
Citing Pithoragarh District Magistrate Ashish Bhatgai, PTI reported that, following instructions from the central government, bilateral trade through Lipulekh Pass is set to resume. Trade activities along this route will take place from June to September this year.
Bhatgai also stated that India’s Ministry of External Affairs has granted permission for trade operations through this checkpoint. According to him, Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri sent a letter to the Chief Secretary of Uttarakhand authorizing the resumption of trade through this route. The letter mentions that India’s Ministry of Commerce and Industry and the Ministry of Home Affairs have also approved reopening the checkpoint.
Preparations are underway with a detailed plan to establish facilities at Lipulekh, including currency exchange bank branches, customs offices, communication infrastructure, deployment of security personnel, and medical services for traders.
According to The Times of India, trade between India and Tibet (China) via this route has been ongoing since 1992, but it was halted in 2019 following the COVID-19 pandemic. Indian traders will now be able to import goods from Taklakot in Tibet into India.
India’s unilateral move in disputed territory
Nepal maintains that Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura are its territories. These areas, considered the source of the Mahakali River, have been included in Nepal’s constitution and official map.
India has not only rejected Nepal’s claims but has also established military presence in the region and restricted access to both Nepali officials and civilians.
Previously, reports had surfaced about agreements between India and China to develop Lipulekh as a bilateral trade route. Nepal has consistently opposed such decisions by sending diplomatic notes to both countries.
This sensitive issue has resurfaced in Nepal at a time when the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) is preparing to form a government. It remains to be seen how the incoming leadership under Balen Shah will address this matter. #nepal #lipulekh #india
