India Reaffirms Its Position on Lipulekh Issue

The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has stated that the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route through Lipulekh is not a new matter and has been continuously operational since 1954. Nepal has issued diplomatic notes to India and China protesting against the operation of the route through the Lipulekh region. According to the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, the eastern area of the Mahakali River falls within Nepal’s territory. Kathmandu, 24 Baisakh – Regarding the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route passing through Lipulekh, which lies on Nepali soil, India’s Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated its clear stance. Spokesperson Randeep Jaishwal said, ‘This is not a new issue; we have already informed through press notes. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra has been continuously conducted since 1954.’ Recently, as India and China began operating the pilgrimage through Lipulekh, Nepal protested by sending diplomatic notes to both countries. Following this, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs stated that this is not a new dispute and mentioned its willingness to engage in dialogue with Nepal. In 2015, India and China had agreed on trade and pilgrimage transit through Lipulekh, a move to which Nepal had sent diplomatic notes; however, neither country provided a formal response. This time, China has not responded to Nepal either. The 1816 Sugauli Treaty between Nepal and British India specifies that the eastern part of the Kali (Mahakali) River belongs to Nepal, with Limpiyadhura recognized as the river’s source.