Lipulekh Pass

The Ministry of External Affairs of India has condemned Nepal’s recent objections to the resumption of trade between India and China through the Lipulekh Pass, stating that Nepal’s claims are “unjustified” and not supported by historical evidence.

The Heart of the Dispute

The territorial dispute, which primarily concerns the Kalapani region, stems from differing interpretations of the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli. This treaty established the Kali River as the border between British India and Nepal.

• While India maintains that the river originates at a spring near Kalapani village, placing the disputed area within its territory, Nepal argues that the true source is at Limpiyadhura, which would place the entire region, including Lipulekh, within Nepal’s borders.

• In 2020, the dispute escalated when Nepal amended its constitution to include a new political map depicting Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani as integral parts of its territory. This move was made after India inaugurated a new road to the pass, which is a crucial route for pilgrims on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Strategic and Economic Importance

• The Lipulekh Pass holds significant strategic importance as a tri-junction between India, Nepal, and China. It serves as a vital trade and pilgrimage route between India and Tibet.
• The recent agreement between India and China to reopen border trade through the pass, which had been suspended due to the pandemic, has reignited diplomatic tensions with Nepal.
• Despite the objections, India has stated its willingness to resolve the outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy.