The recent release of India’s political map has ignited a long-standing dispute between India and Nepal with the central point of contention being the Kalapani territory. The map, which comes after the bifurcation of the state of Jammu and Kashmir into Union Territories of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh, has escalated tensions between the neighbouring countries. A brief look at the key points and background can help shed light on the conflict.
Key Points
In the recently released map, India has reaffirmed its claim over territories that Nepal considers its own in the Darchula district. India insists that this historic region, known as Kalapani, is part of Uttarakhand, a northern state within its borders.
Background: The Kalapani Region
Kalapani, a valley under Indian governance, forms part of the Pithoragarh district of Uttarakhand. Positioned along the Kailash Mansarovar route, Kalapani is a significant focus in the debate due to its geographic features. Primarily, the Kali River in Kalapani acts as a natural boundary between India and Nepal.
This demarcation was highlighted in the Treaty of Sugauli drawn up in 1816 between the Kingdom of Nepal and British India after the Anglo-Nepalese War. Here, the Kali River was set as the western boundary of Nepal with India. However, the dispute ensued due to discrepancies in locating the river’s source, with both nations producing maps to support their respective claims.
In the new map issued by India, Pakistan-occupied Kashmir is incorporated as part of Jammu and Kashmir, while Gilgit-Baltistan falls under Ladakh Union Territory.
The Susta Dispute
Susta, located along the bank of the Gandak river (also known as the Narayani river in Nepal), is another disputed territory between India (Uttar Pradesh) and Nepal. The primary cause for dispute in this area is due to the change in the course of the Gandak river. This region’s high fertility, thanks to the alluvial soil brought by the river, makes it an attractive agricultural area.
About the Kali River
Often called Sharda river or Kali Ganga in Uttarakhand, the Kali River flows into the Ghagra river in Uttar Pradesh, which is a Ganga tributary.
| River Projects |
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| Tanakpur Hydro-Electric Project |
| Chameliya Hydro-Electric Project |
| Sharda Barrage |
Map Discrepancies and the Way Forward
Both India and Nepal continue to produce maps that support their respective claims. Yet, the central issue remains—the mutual agreement on the source of the Kali River, which determines the boundary as per the Treaty of Sugauli. As discussions persist, it is evident that a conclusive resolution will require both nations to reach a consensus on geographical specifics to settle this prolonged dispute.
