Kamal Ghorui
Nepal on Sunday objected to India and China planning to conduct the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass, claiming that the route passes through Kathmandu’s territory.In a statement issued by the foreign affairs ministry, Kathmandu said it was not consulted before the pilgrimage route was finalised and reiterated its long-standing position on the disputed region.“The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has taken note of questions and concerns raised by various media outlets regarding the proposed Kailash Mansarovar Yatra to be operated between India and China via Nepalese territory in Lipulekh,” the statement read.It added, “The Government of Nepal is fully clear and firmly stands by the fact that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani east of the Mahakali River are integral parts of Nepal, based on the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli.”The Himalayan Kingdom further asserted that it has conveyed its position to both India and China through diplomatic channels regarding the proposed pilgrimage route via Lipulekh.According to the statement, Nepal has previously urged India not to undertake any activity in the area. “Earlier as well, the Government of Nepal has continuously urged the Government of India not to undertake any activities such as road construction or expansion, border trade, or pilgrimage operations in the said area.”It added that China has also been formally informed that the Lipulekh region is claimed as Nepali territory.Reaffirming its stance, Nepal said it remains committed to resolving boundary issues through diplomatic means in the spirit of friendly relations with India.“In line with the spirit of the close and friendly relations between Nepal and India, the Government of Nepal remains committed to resolving boundary issues through diplomatic means based on historical treaties, facts, maps, and evidence.”
India rejects Nepal’s territorial claim
Responding to Nepal’s objection over the proposed Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route via Lipulekh Pass, external affairs ministry said that India’s position on the matter remains ‘consistent and clear,’ asserting that the route has been in use for decades.MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, “India’s position in this regard had been consistent and clear. Lipulekh Pass has been a long standing route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra since 1954 and the Yatra through this route has been going on for decades. This is not a new development.” He further added, “As regards territorial claims, India has consistently maintained that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Such unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable.” Jaiswal also said that India remains open to dialogue with Nepal on outstanding boundary issues. “India remains open to a constructive interaction with Nepal on all issues in the bilateral relationship, including on resolving agreed outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy,” he said. Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, organised by external affairs ministry in coordination with Chinese government will take place from June to Aug 2026. The Yatra had been reopened by China last year amid signs of improvement in bilateral ties, following completion of the troop disengagement process in eastern Ladakh.
