In Tianjin, PM Oli expresses Nepal’s “strong objection” to India-China trade through Lipu Lekh Pass

 Prime Minister K. P. Sharma Oli of Nepal became one of the first foreign leaders to meet President Xi Jinping of China on Saturday (August 30, 2025). During the meeting, Mr. Oli highlighted Nepal’s “strong objection” to India-China restarting trade through the Lipu Lekh Pass that Kathmandu considers a part of Nepal’s sovereign territory, the Embassy of Nepal in Beijing said in a press statement.

“Referring to the recent understanding reached between India and China on border trade through Lipu Lekh Pass, the Rt. Hon. Prime Minister stated that the territory belongs to Nepal and Government of Nepal has registered strong objection on the same,” said the press statement. Referring to the discussion between the two teams, Foreign Secretary Amrit Bahadur Rai also reiterated the Nepalese position on the Lipu Lekh Pass and said, “According to the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, the entire area to the east of Mahakali river is part of the sovereign territory of Nepal.”

Prime Minister Oli is visiting Tianjin as a special guest of China for the summit and requested President Xi to support Nepal’s bid for membership in the SCO. Nepal’s Foreign Ministry has announced that PM Oli will address the SCO Plus summit on September 1.

Nepal had earlier objected to India-China agreement reached on August 18 during the visit of Foreign Minister Wang Yi for restarting of border trade between India and China through three Himalayan passes including the Lipu Lekh. India had described Nepal’s objection as “untenable” saying, “India remains open to constructive interaction with Nepal on resolving agreed outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy.”