Nepal questions China over Lipulekh Pass agreement with India

China says issue is bilateral between India-Nepal; advises diplomatic resolution

Beijing (China) – Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal was on a visit to China where he met China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing. During the meeting, Khanal raised the issues of Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Lipulekh. He also questioned the agreement between India and China regarding the use of the Lipulekh Pass, asking, “On what basis was this arrangement established and what exactly is its nature?” Responding to the query, Wang Yi stated that the matter is fundamentally an issue between India and Nepal and that it should be resolved through dialogue. He added that such matters ought to be settled through diplomatic channels between the countries concerned.

“On what basis did China make an agreement with India regarding the use of Lipulekh Pass?” – Nepal questions China.

China’s response: “This is an issue between the two of you; resolve it through discussions.”

Nepal should note that China has offered no support to its claim.… pic.twitter.com/zeILxioNeR

— Sanatan Prabhat (@SanatanPrabhat) June 17, 2026

India and China had agreed in 2020 to resume the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and cross-border trade through the Lipulekh Pass. Under this arrangement, both countries agreed to use the route for pilgrimage and trade purposes. Nepal objected to the agreement at the time, arguing that Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura form part of its territory. Therefore, according to Nepal, no agreement concerning the route should be concluded without its involvement. Following this, Nepal lodged diplomatic protests with both India and China.

Interestingly, Shishir Khanal did not raise this issue during his recent visit to India. During that visit, he held discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on other matters.