Nepal has formally objected to a key pilgrimage route via Lipulekh, sending a protest to India and China. The move revives a long-standing border dispute, even as Kathmandu calls for dialogue.
India has pushed back against Nepal’s objection to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route via Lipulekh, saying its position on the issue remains “clear and consistent” and rejecting Kathmandu’s territorial claims.
“Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954 This is not a new development,” the External Affairs Ministry said on May 3.
On Nepal’s claims, India said, “Such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Such unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable.”
New Delhi also signalled openness to talks, saying it remains “open to a constructive interaction including resolving outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy.”
NEPAL SENDS PROTEST TO INDIA, CHINA
The response comes after Nepal formally objected to the proposed pilgrimage route via Lipulekh, sending a diplomatic protest to both India and China.
Kathmandu said the move concerns a disputed area and reiterated its long-standing claim over the region.
“The Government of Nepal remains clear and firm that, as per the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani are integral parts of Nepal,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.
FORMAL NOTE, POLITICAL CONSULTATIONS
Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudyal Chhetri said Nepal conveyed its concerns to both New Delhi and Beijing through diplomatic channels.
Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said the decision followed consultations with political parties, adding that Nepal’s official position has now been formally communicated.
Kathmandu also confirmed that China has been informed that the Lipulekh area falls within Nepali territory.
CALL TO HALT ACTIVITIES IN DISPUTED AREA
Nepal has urged India not to carry out road construction, expansion, border trade or pilgrimage-related activities in the disputed region.
The government said it has repeatedly raised these concerns in the past, describing the issue as sensitive.
Even as both sides held firm to their positions, Nepal said it remains committed to resolving the boundary issue through dialogue.
“In keeping with the spirit of close and friendly Nepal-India relations, Nepal remains committed to resolving the boundary issue through historical facts, evidence and diplomatic dialogue,” the ministry said.
