Nepal sends diplomatic notes to India, China over Lipulekh route

The Kathmandu Post views the proposed Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route through Lipulekh as a direct challenge to Nepal's sovereignty. The government's firm stance, articulated through diplomatic notes to both India and China, underscores a long-standing territorial claim rooted in historical treaties.

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Nepal had conveyed its position and concerns to both neighbours through diplomatic channels regarding the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.

Nepal's position is clear: the areas east of the Mahakali River, including Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani, are unequivocally Nepali territory. This assertion is not new; it has been consistently reflected in Nepal's official maps. The government's repeated calls for India to cease activities such as road construction and border trade in these regions highlight a pattern of perceived encroachment.

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Under the Sugauli Treaty of 1816, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani—areas east of the Mahakali River—are integral parts of Nepal, a position on which the government remains “clear and firm”.

While acknowledging the historical agreements that have sometimes allowed for trade and pilgrimage through the area, Nepal emphasizes its commitment to resolving border disputes through diplomatic dialogue. The recent diplomatic notes signal a renewed effort to assert its territorial integrity in the face of unilateral actions by its powerful neighbors. This issue remains a sensitive point in Nepal's foreign relations, reflecting the nation's determination to protect its borders and national interests.

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Nepal has consistently urged India to refrain from activities in the region, including road construction, expansion, border trade and pilgrimages.