Nepal Reaffirms Stance on Lipulekh Pass, Urges India and China to Respect Territory

Nepal has unequivocally reaffirmed its sovereign claim over the strategically vital Lipulekh Pass, asserting its territorial integrity through formal diplomatic channels to both India and China. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clearly communicated Kathmandu's long-standing position, urging New Delhi to cease all activities, including road construction, border trade, and pilgrimage facilitation, within this Nepali territory.

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The Government of Nepal had been urging the Government of India not to carry out any of the activities like road construction and expansion, border trade and pilgrimage in that area.

The government's stance is rooted in historical evidence and international agreements, specifically the Sugauli Treaty of 1816, which unequivocally delineates Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani as inseparable components of Nepal. This firm reiteration serves as a crucial reminder of Nepal's unwavering commitment to its territorial boundaries and its right to manage access and activities within its sovereign domain.

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The Ministry has stated that the Government of Nepal is fully clear and firm regarding the fact that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani are inseparable parts of Nepal from the Sugauli Treaty of 1816.

While acknowledging the historical and cultural significance of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, Nepal insists that any passage or related activities must respect its territorial sovereignty. The government remains dedicated to resolving this border dispute through peaceful, diplomatic means, emphasizing the spirit of mutual respect and adherence to historical treaties and evidence that underpin the friendly relations between Nepal and India. This principled stand highlights Nepal's determination to protect its national interests on the international stage.

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The government is always committed to resolving border issues through diplomatic measures based on the spirit of close and friendly relations between Nepal and India, historical treaties and agreements, maps and evidence.