Overview

• During talks in Tianjin ahead of the SCO summit, Nepal’s prime minister objected to the India–China understanding to reopen trade through the Lipulekh Pass.
• Kathmandu says Lipulekh lies inside Nepal under the 1816 Sugauli Treaty and its constitutionally endorsed map.
• New Delhi rejects Nepal’s claim and says cross-border trade through Lipulekh has existed since 1954 and is now being resumed.
• China’s official readout of the Xi–Oli meeting omitted any mention of Lipulekh, while Oli said he believes Beijing will cooperate with Nepal.
• Oli voiced support for Chinese initiatives and met briefly with India’s prime minister, reflecting ongoing diplomacy as the dispute remains unresolved.