LIPULEKH PASS DISPUTE from Vajirao & Reddy Institute

LIPULEKH PASS DISPUTE

• On 20 August 2025, India rejected Nepal’s objections to the resumption of border trade between India and China through the Lipulekh Pass, located in Uttarakhand.
• Nepal had raised formal objections after China’s Foreign Minister Wang Yi visited India on 19 August 2025, during which both countries announced reopening of key Himalayan trade routes:
  • Lipulekh Pass – Uttarakhand
  • Shipki La Pass – Himachal Pradesh
  • Nathu La Pass – Sikkim
• India stated that Nepal’s territorial claims are not supported by historical facts or evidence.
• Nepal reaffirmed its position, citing its official map enshrined in the Constitution, which claims Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani as its territory.

• Trijunction Point: Close to where India, Nepal, and China meet.
• Strategic Height: Provides surveillance advantage and access to the higher Himalayas.
• Pilgrimage Route: Part of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, attracting religious pilgrims from India.
• Border Infrastructure: Presence of military roads, border outposts, and ongoing infrastructure development by India.

• Trade History:
  • India-China border trade through Lipulekh has been ongoing since 1954.
  • Recent disruptions were due to COVID-19 and other developments, not related to territorial disputes.
• Territorial Claims:
  • Nepal’s claim over Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani is not based on historical facts or legal treaties.
  • India rejects unilateral and artificial expansion of territorial claims.
• Diplomatic Stance:
  • India remains open to constructive dialogue with Nepal on agreed outstanding boundary issues, through bilateral mechanisms.

• Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs objected to the resumption of trade through Lipulekh.
• Cited the official map of Nepal, adopted in 2020, which shows:
  • Limpiyadhura
  • Kalapani
  • Lipulekh

• The Nepalese Constitution has been amended to include this revised map.

• Treaty of Sugauli (1815–1816):
  • Signed between British India and the Kingdom of Nepal.
  • Mahakali River (called Kali River) was designated as the western boundary of Nepal.
• Interpretational Dispute:
  • India claims that the origin of the Mahakali River lies east of Kalapani, placing the area within Indian territory.
  • Nepal claims the river originates near Limpiyadhura, placing Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura within Nepal.
• Status of Dispute:
  • Boundary disputes have remained unresolved, but were previously handled through bilateral dialogue.

• Lipulekh is part of the route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, undertaken by Hindu pilgrims to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet.
• The Vyas Valley, where the pass is located, is associated with ancient Indian texts and mythology.

• Bilateral Dialogue:
  • Revive India-Nepal Boundary Working Group to resolve issues through facts and evidence.
• Cartographic Restraint:
  • Avoid unilateral actions such as map revisions without mutual agreement.
• Public Diplomacy:
  • Educate citizens in both countries about historical treaties and maps to avoid misinformation.
• Strategic Clarity:
  • Maintain open channels with both Nepal and China, balancing sovereignty and diplomacy.
• Infrastructure Development:
  • Continue border infrastructure upgrades to improve logistics and monitoring without escalating tensions.