Contested Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Lipulekh Pass
The Balen Shah-led government in Kathmandu has raised objections to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra being conducted through the Lipulekh pass, a territory claimed by Nepal. India, however, maintains that Nepal's claims are "neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence".
Nepal's Standpoint
- According to the Nepalese Foreign Ministry:
- Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani east of the Mahakali River are considered integral parts of Nepal as per the Sugauli Treaty of 1816.
- Nepal has conveyed its stance to both India and China, urging India not to engage in activities like road construction or border trade in the area.
- China has been informed that the Lipulekh area is Nepali territory.
- Historical context:
- The Lipulekh pass was a point of discord in 2020, with Nepal objecting to India building infrastructure there, leading to Nepal publishing its map claiming the territory.
- Former Nepalese Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli raised the issue with Chinese President Xi Jinping in 2025.
India's Response
- The Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, stated:
- The Lipulekh pass has been a long-standing route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954.
- India's stance is clear that Nepal's territorial claims are not backed by historical facts.
- India is open to constructive interaction with Nepal, aiming to resolve boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy.
- India had rejected Nepal's claims in May 2020 and again in August 2025.
Diplomatic Resolutions
- Shankar Prasad Sharma, the outgoing Nepalese Ambassador, emphasized:
- Boundary issues included in the constitution cannot be easily altered.
- Dialogue and diplomacy are crucial for resolving these issues.
- Nepal insists on being involved in negotiations between India and China regarding trade through the Lipulekh pass.
