Subject: Stop Using Nepal’s Territory in the Name of Trade Deals
Respected President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra Modi,
I write this letter not as a diplomat, but as a concerned Nepali citizen whose country’s sovereignty is being ignored. Recently, news of a China–India trade understanding through Kalapani–Lipu Lekh has come to light. Let me remind you both, with utmost clarity, that this land belongs to Nepal.
Kalapani, Lipu Lekh, and Limpiyadhura are not bargaining chips between two powerful neighbours. They are part of Nepal’s sovereign territory, a fact supported by history, maps and treaties. Yet, time and again, India has stationed forces in this area and now China joins hands with India to make trade deals through it-without even consulting Nepal. This is nothing less than a betrayal of trust and an outright disregard for Nepal’s independence.
Nepal is a small country, but our sovereignty is not small. We have never allowed, nor will we ever allow, our land to be used as a corridor of convenience between two bigger nations. When you sign agreements over disputed Nepali land, you are not just sidelining Nepal-you are insulting the dignity of an entire nation.
I strongly protest this deal and demand:
Immediate withdrawal of any trade-related arrangements involving Kalapani–Lipu Lekh without Nepal’s consent.
A clear acknowledgment of Nepal’s sovereign rights over this region.
A commitment that no future bilateral agreement will involve Nepali territory without Nepal’s participation.
Nepalese are peace-loving people. We respect both India and China as neighbours and friends. But friendship cannot survive if our sovereignty is trampled. We will not remain silent while our land is used as a shortcut for your economic interests.
Nepal has always valued its friendship with both neighbours. For centuries, we have maintained cultural, historical, and economic ties with India and China. Nepal has consistently stood for peaceful co-existence, non-alignment and respect for international law. But when powerful neighbours engaged in agreements over Nepali land without consultation or consent, it sets a dangerous precedent. It disregards the concerns of a smaller nation and erodes trust in regional cooperation.
I call upon both of you to correct this grave mistake. Respect Nepal’s sovereignty, respect the voice of the Nepalese people and remember that justice and fairness are the true foundation of lasting friendship. Both of your respected countries could consider a trilateral treaty for the mutual benefit of all three nations.
Timeline of the Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh Dispute
1815 AD – According to the Sugauli Treaty, the Kali River was marked as Nepal’s western boundary.
1837 AD – British maps showed the source of the Kali River.
1860 AD – The map shifted eastward.
1867 AD – A new map was issued separating Nepal-India borders.
1962 AD – During the Sino-Indian war, Indian soldiers were stationed in Lipulekh.
1991 AD – Nepal raised the border dispute.
1996 AD – The Mahakali Treaty was signed, but the dispute remained unresolved.
2015 AD – India and China agreed to conduct border trade through this area.
2015 AD – Nepal sent a diplomatic note of protest.
2019 AD – India issued a new map including the Lipulekh area.
2020 AD – India inaugurated the Dharchula–Lipulekh road.
2020 AD – In protest, Nepal issued its own new map.
2025 AD – Once again, India and China agreed on border trade through Lipulekh.
In protest, A Citizen of Nepal, Dharan
