SYLLABUS

GS-2: India and its neighborhood- relations. 

Context: India has rejected Nepal’s objection to conducting the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Lipulekh Pass, calling Nepal’s territorial claims “untenable” while reiterating openness to dialogue.

Background of the Dispute

• The dispute traces back to the Treaty of Sugauli, which defined the boundary along the Kali River. 

• The core issue is the uncertain origin of the Kali River, with: 

• Early British maps (1819–1856), placing their origin at Limpiyadhura (supporting Nepal’s claim). 
• Later maps (1879 onward) identify a different stream (Kuti Yangti) as the Kali (supporting India’s position). 

• The dispute intensified after: 

• India’s 2019 political map showing Kalapani within its territory. 
• Nepal’s 2020 revised map and constitutional amendment claiming Kalapani–Lipulekh–Limpiyadhura. 

• Tensions also arose over road construction, trade routes, and pilgrimage access through Lipulekh. 

India’s Position

• Lipulekh has been a traditional route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954, used continuously for decades. 

• India maintains that: 

• Nepal’s claims are “neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence.” 
• Any “unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims” is untenable. 

• India views the issue as not new, emphasizing continuity of administrative control and usage. 

• It has expressed willingness for constructive engagement through dialogue and diplomacy to resolve boundary issues. 

Nepal’s Position

• Nepal asserts that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani lie east of the Kali River and are therefore integral parts of Nepal under the 1816 treaty. 

• It has objected to India–China activities (trade, road building, pilgrimage) in the region without Nepal’s consent. 

• Raised the issue diplomatically with both India and China. 

• Nepal argues that the dispute should be addressed through: 

• Historical treaties, maps, and evidence 
• Possibly even trilateral discussions (India–Nepal–China), as suggested by some officials. 

Key Issues Involved

• Territorial Sovereignty: Competing interpretations of historical treaties and cartographic evidence. 

• Ineffective Joint Mechanisms: Joint mechanisms like the 1981 Border Inspection and 1997 Border Management Committees were set up by India and Nepal but key boundary issues remain unresolved.

• Religious and Cultural Access: The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is a major pilgrimage for Indians. 

• India–China Factor: Trade and connectivity via Lipulekh add a third-party dimension. 

• Open Border Dynamics: Despite a traditionally open border (post-1950 treaty), unresolved boundaries persist. 

Way Forward

• Revive Bilateral Mechanisms: Expedite boundary talks through existing India–Nepal diplomatic channels. 

• Clarify River Origin Scientifically: Joint technical surveys to determine the true source of the Kali River. 

• Confidence-Building Measures: Maintain status quo in disputed areas while negotiations continue. 

• Separate Pilgrimage from Politics: Ensure the Yatra proceeds smoothly without escalating tensions. 

• Strengthen Diplomatic Engagement: Regular high-level dialogue to prevent politicisation of the issue. 

• Avoid Unilateral Actions: Both sides should refrain from steps that alter ground realities.

Sources:
Newsonair
The Hindu
Indian Express