Nepal’s new currency note features Indian territories

Context

Nepal has recently announced the printing of a new Rs 100 currency note that features Indian territories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani, a move that has been contested by India.

Key Highlights

• Nepal stocks a border of over 1,850 km with 5 Indian States — Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand.
• In 2019, Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura had been covered in India’s map. 
• Tensions among both the nations emerged after Nepal issued a political map in 2020, which covered the same territories.

Where is Kalapani located?

• Kalapani is an area located in the easternmost nook of Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district. 
• It shares a border on the north with the Tibet Autonomous Region of China and Nepal inside the east and south. 
• The area is in India’s control however Nepal claims the vicinity as a part of Dharchula district, because of historical and cartographic reasons. 
• The region is the most important territorial dispute among Nepal and India which includes at the least 37,000 hectares of land in the High Himalayas.

Controversy over Nepal-India border

• Nepal has asserted its claim based on the Sugauli Treaty of 1816, signed between the East India Company and Guru Gajraj Mishra.
• Under the Treaty, the Kali River was marked as Nepal’s western boundary with India.
• According to Nepal the east of the Kali river must start at the supply of the river that is in the mountains near Limpiyadhura.
  • While India claims the border begins at Kalapani, where the river begins. 
• The Kali River has modified course over time, causing confusion in defining the border.

Susta Border dispute

• Susta is a disputed territory between Nepal and India. It is administered by India as part of West Champaran district of Bihar.
• Nepal claims the region a part of West Nawalparasi District below Susta rural municipality, alleging that over 14,860 hectares of Nepali land in Susta has been encroached upon by India.

Way Ahead

• India-Nepal has a long history of cultural connections. It is crucial for India’s financial and strategic pursuits. Having a friendly and supportive Nepal will function as a buffer among India and an assertive China.
• India must engage constructively with Nepal and work toward resolving the continuing border disputes.

Source: The HT

UPSC Mains Practice Question

Q.Critically Analyse the rising border dispute between India and Nepal. (250 words).

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