Row over Lipu-Lekh Pass

Context:

The agreement between India and China to restart border trade through the Lipu Lekh Pass has sparked a diplomatic row between Nepal and India. Nepal claims that the Lipu Lekh region is part of its sovereign territory, while India maintains that its territorial claims are "neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence"

About Territorial Dispute:

The Kalapani-Lipu Lekh-Limpiyadhura region is a tri-junction area between India, Nepal, and China.
Nepal claims the area east of the Mahakali River as per the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli with the British, arguing that Lipu Lekh lies within its territory.
In 2019, India published a new political map that showed the region as part of Uttarakhand — sparking strong protests from Nepal.
Nepal later amended its constitution and map, including these disputed areas.

About India-China Border Trade Resumption:

India and China have decided to resume trade through three passes:

Lipu Lekh (Uttarakhand)
Shipki La (Himachal Pradesh)
Nathu La (Sikkim)

India maintains that trade through Lipu Lekh began in 1954 and is not related to Nepal.

Key Points of Contention

India’s View	Nepal’s View
Lipu Lekh trade route is historical, dating back to 1954.	The route lies in Nepal’s territory, as per the Sugauli Treaty.
India rejects Nepal's claims as not historically justified.	Nepal asserts the area is east of Mahakali River, thus Nepalese.
India-China agreements on Lipu Lekh are bilateral.	Nepal wants to be consulted on any activity in the area.

Significance of Lipu Lekh:

Located at a trijunction between India, Nepal, and Tibet (China).
Crucial for border trade and pilgrimage routes, including to Mount Kailash and Mansarovar.
A flashpoint in India-Nepal relations due to nationalist sentiments and territorial sensitivities.

India – Nepal relations:

India and Nepal share a unique and deeply intertwined relationship rooted in the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship. This treaty allows open borders, free movement of people, and grants mutual privileges to each other’s citizens, laying the groundwork for their strong bilateral ties.India is Nepal’s largest trading partner and biggest developmental aid contributor. India supports key infrastructure projects like roads, airports, and health facilities.
Nepal’s position between India and China makes it a strategic buffer for India. However, challenges remain—border disputes (e.g., Kalapani-Lipu Lekh), trade imbalances, and Nepal’s growing ties with China raise concerns. There are also internal calls within Nepal to revisit the 1950 treaty, reflecting evolving geopolitical dynamics.

Conclusion:

The diplomatic row between Nepal and India over the Lipu Lekh region highlights the complexities of border disputes and the need for diplomatic resolution. While both countries have a long-standing relationship and are keen to maintain their ties, the issue of territorial claims needs to be addressed through constructive dialogue and diplomacy. The upcoming visit of Nepal's Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli to India may provide an opportunity for both countries to discuss the issue and find a mutually acceptable solution