Context
The longstanding India-Nepal boundary issue has been rekindled by the use of Lipulekh Pass to carry out the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Key Highlights
- The trijunction of India, Nepal and China is called Lipulekh Pass.
- Nepal asserts Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura based on the Sugauli Treaty (1816).
- India has been arguing that Lipulekh has been a historic path to pilgrimage and trade since 1954.
- This conflict escalated in 2020 when Nepal published a brand new political map with the disputed regions.
Objection to Mansarovar Yatra in Nepal
- Nepal has officially protested against India and China undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh.
- It claims that the route is in its sovereign territory.
- Nepal has also pressured India and China not to engage in unilateral activities like infrastructure development and trade.
- India has dismissed such assertions as unjustified and which is not founded on historical premises.
India’s Stand
- India claims that Lipulekh is an old and traditional road for the Yatra.
- It believes that the claims by Nepal were unilateral and historically erroneous.
- India has focused on solving conflicts via dialogue and diplomacy.
- It remains open to two-way interaction with Nepal.
Strategic and Geopolitical Significance.
- Lipulekh Pass is important because:
- Pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar.
- India-China trade routes
- Military presence in the Himalayas.
- The problem indicates a triadic interaction between India, Nepal, and China.
- It also shows the increase in sensitivity in India-Nepal relations.
Challenges in India-Nepal Relations
- Boundary conflicts in respect of bilateral trust.
- Political pressures that affect the foreign policy of Nepal include domestic political pressures.
- Increasing Chinese influence in Nepal.
- Lack of regular dialogue mechanisms on boundary issues
Way Forward
- Enhance bilateral dialogue processes that can resolve land boundary disagreements in a peaceful manner.
- Reawaken the India-Nepal Joint Boundary Working Group.
- Promote confidence-building measures in border areas
- Make sure that the communication about the infrastructure and trade projects is clear.
- Discover trilateral negotiations where it is needed, but do not undermine sovereignty.
Conclusion
- The Lipulekh controversy highlights the weakness of the Himalayan geopolitics.
- Although there are differences in historical claims, a peaceful solution through diplomacy is still necessary.
- It is highly important to maintain a positive India-Nepal relationship to stabilise and cooperate regionally.
Source: The Indian Express
Mains PYQ
Q. “China is using its economic relations and positive trade surplus as tools to develop potential military power status in Asia”. In the light of this statement, discuss its impact on India as her neighbour. (2017)
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