The Government of Nepal has officially reiterated its sovereign claim over the territories of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani, following India’s recent announcement regarding the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatrathrough the Lipulekh Pass.
In a firm diplomatic move, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) confirmed today that it has dispatched formal notes to both New Delhi and Beijing, asserting that these areas are integral parts of Nepal according to historical evidence and international treaties.
The Catalyst: Resumption of the Yatra
The dispute was reignited after the Indian government publicized plans to facilitate the annual pilgrimage to Mount Kailash using the road infrastructure built through the Lipulekh region. Nepal has consistently maintained that any unilateral activity or construction in this territory—without bilateral consent—is a violation of its territorial integrity.
Historical and Legal Basis
In the diplomatic notes, Nepal cited the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli as the primary legal instrument defining its western border.
-
The Kali River: Nepal asserts that the Kali River originates from Limpiyadhura, making all territories east of the river, including Lipulekh and Kalapani, part of Nepal.
-
The 2020 Map: The government reminded both neighboring nations of Nepal’s updated administrative map, which was passed unanimously by the Nepali Parliament in 2020, formally incorporating these regions.
Call for Diplomatic Dialogue
The note to Beijing specifically addresses the bilateral agreement between India and China regarding the use of the Lipulekh Pass for trade and transit—an agreement Nepal maintains was made without its consultation.
“Nepal seeks a peaceful and diplomatic resolution to this long-standing boundary issue,” a senior MoFA official stated. “We have called upon the Indian side to sit for high-level technical committee meetings to finalize the border based on historical maps and documents.”
Domestic Reaction
The announcement has seen widespread support across Nepal’s political spectrum. Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s administration has emphasized that “national sovereignty is non-negotiable,” while urging citizens to remain calm as the state pursues a solution through formal diplomatic channels.
While New Delhi has yet to issue an official response to this latest note, the move marks a significant escalation in Nepal’s proactive foreign policy regarding its border security and historical rights.