New Delhi: India on Sunday firmly rejected Nepal's objection to the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through the long-established Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, describing Kathmandu's territorial claims over the region as a "unilateral artificial enlargement" and stating that such assertions are "untenable".
India's strong response came shortly after Nepal's foreign ministry issued a statement objecting to India and China proceeding with preparations for the annual pilgrimage via Lipulekh Pass without consulting Kathmandu, while asserting that the area falls within its territory.
Yatra routes announced; China also prepares
Last week, the Ministry of External Affairs announced that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will be conducted between June and August through two routes, Lipulekh Pass and Nathu La in Sikkim. Following this, China confirmed that it is also making arrangements for the pilgrimage.
The journey to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar Lake in the Tibet Autonomous Region of China holds deep religious importance for Hindus, as well as for followers of Jainism and Buddhism. The pilgrimage resumed last year after a gap of nearly five years, as part of broader efforts to normalise ties between India and China.
India reiterates long-standing position
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India's stance on the matter has remained consistent. He noted that Lipulekh Pass has been used as a route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954 and that the pilgrimage has continued along this path for decades.
He added that the development is not new and highlighted that India has consistently maintained that Nepal's territorial claims are neither justified nor supported by historical facts or evidence.
Jaiswal further remarked that such "unilateral artificial enlargement" of territorial claims is not acceptable.
India open to dialogue with Nepal
The MEA spokesperson also said that India remains open to engaging with Nepal in a constructive manner on all bilateral issues. This includes addressing outstanding boundary concerns through dialogue and diplomatic means.
Background of boundary dispute
In 2020, then Nepal Prime Minister K P Sharma Oli had raised the boundary issue with India amid increasing domestic political pressure and challenges to his leadership.
Relations between the two countries deteriorated significantly after Nepal released a revised political map in 2020, depicting the Indian territories of Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh as part of Nepal. India had rejected these claims at the time.
Recent developments
Kathmandu's latest statement has surprised New Delhi, particularly as it came weeks after rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah assumed office as Prime Minister. There had been expectations that bilateral relations would improve under his leadership.
The Nepalese foreign ministry's objection to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh also comes just days ahead of a planned visit by India's Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Kathmandu. It remains unclear whether the visit will proceed as scheduled.
Nepal reaffirms claim over disputed territories
In its statement, Nepal's foreign ministry reiterated its position that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani, located to the east of the Mahakali river, are integral parts of Nepal. It said this claim is based on the Sugauli Treaty of 1816.
The ministry further stated that Nepal has communicated its stance to both India and China regarding the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra being organised through what it considers Nepalese territory at Lipulekh.
It also noted that Nepal had earlier urged India not to undertake activities such as road construction, expansion, border trade or pilgrimage in the disputed region.
The ministry added that China has also been informed of Nepal's position.
Call for diplomatic resolution
The Nepalese government stated that it remains committed to resolving the boundary dispute through diplomatic channels, relying on historical agreements, mutual understanding, documented facts, maps and supporting evidence. It pointed out that this approach reflects the close and friendly relations shared between Nepal and India.
Agency inputs