Kathmandu, May 4 — Nepal has once again reaffirmed its sovereignty over the disputed territories of Lipulek, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, following renewed concerns over the proposed Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route being operated via Lipulek by India and China.

In a statement issued on Sunday evening, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) said the three areas—located east of the Mahakali River—are integral parts of Nepal as defined by the Treaty of Sugauli. The ministry reiterated that Nepal’s position remains unchanged and firmly grounded in historical agreements, maps and evidence.

The statement came in response to growing public concern and media queries after reports surfaced about the use of Lipulek Pass for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, a route that Nepal claims passes through its territory. The issue has triggered widespread debate, with many citizens calling on the government to defend national sovereignty.

“The Government of Nepal has once again conveyed its clear position and concerns regarding the proposed Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route via Lipulek to both India and China through diplomatic channels,” the MoFA said. It also confirmed that China has been formally notified that Lipulek lies within Nepali territory.

Nepal has consistently urged India to refrain from any activities in the disputed region, including infrastructure development, trade expansion, or pilgrimage operations. Officials emphasised that Kathmandu remains committed to resolving the long-standing boundary dispute through diplomatic dialogue, in line with the spirit of friendly relations between Nepal and India.

A day after the MoFA statement, the government spokesperson reiterated the same stance, publicly affirming that Lipulek is part of Nepal’s territory.

Historical context and rising tensions

The dispute dates back decades, despite the Treaty of Sugauli clearly identifying the Mahakali River as Nepal’s western boundary. Following the Sino-Indian War, India stationed security forces in the Kalapani area, a move Nepal protested only years later.

Tensions escalated in November 2019 when India released a new political map including Kalapani, Lipulek and Limpiyadhura within its borders. Nepal strongly objected and called for dialogue, but no formal talks followed.

In May 2020, India inaugurated an 80-kilometre road linking Dharchula to Lipulek Pass, further intensifying the dispute. Nepal issued a diplomatic protest, calling the move unilateral and a violation of its territorial integrity. The contested region, including Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulek, spans roughly 350 square kilometres.

Earlier, in 2015, Nepal had also objected when India and China agreed to expand trade through Lipulek during Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to China, arguing that the agreement was made without Nepal’s consent.

India rejects Nepal’s claim

India has rejected Nepal’s latest objections, describing them as “untenable.” The Ministry of External Affairs stated that its position on Lipulek remains “consistent and clear,” adding that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been conducted through the Lipulek Pass route since 1954.

Indian officials argue that Nepal’s claims are not supported by historical facts and evidence, while maintaining that New Delhi remains open to resolving boundary issues through diplomatic engagement.

Call for dialogue

Despite repeated diplomatic notes sent by Nepal to both India and China—reportedly without response—Kathmandu continues to push for negotiations based on historical documents and mutual understanding.

The issue remains a sensitive aspect of Nepal–India relations, with experts urging both sides to resume dialogue mechanisms, including discussions around the long-pending report of the Eminent Persons Group, which was tasked with reviewing bilateral ties.

As the geopolitical and strategic importance of the Himalayan border region grows, Nepal has signalled it will continue to assert its territorial claims while seeking a peaceful resolution through diplomacy.