Kailash Mansarovar Yatra: India snubs Nepal PM Balen Shah’s territorial overreach

India on Monday rejected Nepal’s objections regarding the use of Lipulekh Pass route for the annual Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, while asserting that Kathmandu’s territorial claims “are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence.”

“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,” said Ministry of External Affairs Official Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal.

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The Indian response came shortly after the Balen Shah-led government in Nepal raised objections over the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Lipulekh Pass route, claiming the territory connecting India and China lies in Nepal.

“The Government of Nepal remains fully clear and firm that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani, east of the Mahakali River, are integral parts of Nepal, as established by the 1816 Sugauli Treaty,” the Nepalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs said ina statement.

The ministry further added that these concerns have been conveyed to both India and China.

Responding to the territorial claims of Nepal, the MEA stated, “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.”

However, the MEA Spokesperson further added that New Delhi 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.”