Minister Bhandari: Nepal objects to India-China agreement on Lipulekh, pushes Jhulaghat bridge and Pancheshwor project forward

Baitadi: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies, Damodar Bhandari, has expressed Nepal’s strong objection to the India-China agreement to develop a trade route through Lipulekh, a territory claimed by Nepal.

Speaking at an event in Melauli, Baitadi—his home district—on the occasion of Gaura Parv and during an interaction with local workers, Minister Bhandari said the deal was reached without Nepal’s consultation.
“There are diplomatic talks about building a trade route through Nepali land without consulting Nepal,” he said. “We object to the agreement between China and India to build a trade route through Lipulekh.”

He added that Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, currently on an official visit to China, has already raised the issue during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and expressed confidence that China would cooperate. According to him, the Prime Minister’s upcoming visit to India will also prioritize this matter.

Highlighting cross-border infrastructure projects, Minister Bhandari informed that preparations are underway to advance the motorable bridge at Jhulaghat and the Pancheshwor project at the India-Nepal border in Baitadi.
“The Prime Minister has discussed the Integrated Mahakali Treaty and the Pancheshwor project. We will likely move forward with the implementation of the treaty this year, for which India’s consent is also required,” he said.

Minister Bhandari further added that the Dodhara Chandni dry port and the Mahakali Corridor remain on the government’s list of priority projects.