Nepal recently objected to the inauguration of a new link road connecting Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand to the Lipulekh pass on the China border, a route which significantly reduces the travel time for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The key issue at hand is that Nepal asserts that the territory around the Lipulekh pass, an area of approximately 400 sq km to the east of the Kali river and at the tri-junction of Nepal, Tibet, and India, belongs to them.
Nepal’s Stand
Nepal has referenced a 2014 agreement between the respective prime ministers of the two countries stating that the Foreign Secretaries are responsible for addressing the ongoing “outstanding boundary issues” on Kalapani (the region where Lipulekh lies) and Susta, which borders Bihar. The Foreign Ministry stated that the unilateral decision to construct a road through this area violates the 2014 agreement.
Nepal produced maps which were created around the period of the Sugauli treaty in 1816 as well as other subsequent treaties, as evidence to support its claim that Limpiadhura, Kalapani, and Lipulekh – all located to the east of the Kali River – are part of Nepalese territory. These border specifications were established following the war between Nepal and the British, during which Nepal had to relinquish a considerable portion of territory that currently constitutes Uttarakhand.
Nepal also expressed interest in questioning China about an arrangement made with India in May 2015 to develop Lipulekh as a commercial passage, a plan set in motion without consulting Nepal. This move majorly disrupted the tripoint between the three countries. Despite these boundaries disputes, Nepal remains dedicated to using diplomatic means to find a resolution, guided by historical documents, treaties, facts, and maps.
About the Kali River and Lipulekh Pass
The Kali River, also known as the Sharda River or Kali Ganga in Uttarakhand, flows into the Ghagra River in Uttar Pradesh, which is a tributary of the Ganga River. The region is home to various river projects, including the Tanakpur hydro-electric project, the Chameliya hydro-electric project, and the Sharda Barrage.
The Lipulekh Pass, alternatively termed Lipu-Lekh Pass/Qiangla or Tri-Corner, is a high mountain pass situated in the western Himalayas. It stands at an elevation of 5,334 meters or 17,500 feet and serves as an international mountain pass between India, China, and Nepal.
India’s Response
In response to the situation, the Ministry of External Affairs in India stated that the road passing through Pithoragarh lies entirely within Indian territory. They explained that the road uses the same route as the one taken by Kailash Mansarovar Yatra pilgrims, but has been modified to accommodate the needs and convenience of locals, traders, and pilgrims.
India maintains that the delineation process of the border with Nepal is ongoing, and the country is set on resolving the remaining boundary issues via diplomatic dialogue.
Other Relevant Issues
Back in November 2019, Nepal protested against the publication of Indian maps that featured the Kalapani area as part of Indian territory. India dismissed these protests, maintaining that their map accurately depicts the country’s sovereign territory. Currently, both nations are working on scheduling talks at the foreign secretary-level. These discussions will proceed once the dates are finalized and once both governments have sufficiently managed the Covid-19 situation.