BAITADI: Minister for Industry, Commerce and Supplies Damodar Bhandari has expressed Nepal’s objections to the India-China agreement on constructing a trade route through Lipulekh, an area claimed by Nepal.
Speaking today during Gaura Parba greetings and a meeting with party cadres in Melauli, his home district of Baitadi, Minister Bhandari emphasized that Nepal was not consulted in the agreement between India and China to build the trade route through Nepali territory.
“Diplomatic discussions are ongoing regarding the construction of a trade route through Nepali land without Nepal’s consultation,” he said.
“There are strong objections to the India-China agreement on the Lipulekh trade route. Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli, currently visiting China, raised this issue during his meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping and is confident China will cooperate.”
Minister Bhandari added that after China, the Prime Minister will visit India, where the Lipulekh issue will be a priority.
He also announced progress on other key infrastructure projects, including the motorable bridge at the Jhulaghat checkpoint bordering India and the Pancheshwar project.
“The Prime Minister has discussed the Integrated Mahakali Treaty and the Pancheshwar project. We expect to advance the treaty’s implementation this year, pending India’s consent,” said Bhandari. He noted that the Dodhara Chandani Dry Port and Mahakali Corridor are also top priorities.
Committed to the overall development of Baitadi, Minister Bhandari acknowledged challenges in project implementation. “Despite sufficient budget allocation for Baitadi’s development, delays occur due to contractors missing deadlines and local disputes. These issues need to be resolved at the local level,” he said.
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