New Delhi, Aug. 20 -- The Ministry of External Affairs on Wednesday dismissed Nepal's objection to the resumption of India's border trade with China through Lipulekh pass, calling Kathmandu's territorial claim over the trade route as "untenable" and not based on "historical facts and evidence."

MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal asserted that India has been trading with China through the Lipulekh pass since 1954 and said India remains open to "constructive interaction" with Nepal through dialogue and diplomacy to resolve the "boundary issues."

"Our position in this regard (on Lipulekh Pass) has been consistent and clear. Border trade between India and China through Lipulekh pass had commenced in 1954 and has been going on for decades. Thi...