Context:

The Indo-Nepal territorial dispute around the Kalpani-Limpahua-Lipulekh trijunction region stems from the ambiguity around the original border. The current tension is the result of a combination of factors: India’s strategic concerns; declined India- Nepal relations; Beijing’s stable stance in Nepal; and worsening India-China relations.

A brief overview of Indo-Nepal border issues

• The Indo-Nepal border was originally delineated by the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, which established the Kali River (Sharda, Mahakali) as a border, with the area east of the river going to Nepal.
• Kalapani, Limpiyhura, Lipulekh Triangle Territorial Dispute Centre at the origin of Kalipani River.
• Nepal’s stance is that the river originates from a stream northwest of Lipulekh, which brings Kalapani, linpiyaxle, and lipless to its territory.
• India’s stance is that the river originates in springs beneath Lipulekh, and hence this area falls within Pithoragarh district in the state of Uttarakhand, India.
• Both sides have maps of the British period to claim their position.

Recent Dispute

• India recently inaugurated the Darchula-Lipulekh pass link road, cutting across the disputed Kalapani area, which is used by Indian pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar.
• The Nepalese government protested this move, pointing out that the construction of the road amounted to territorial encroachment.
• Nepal granted constitutional validity to its stance through the introduction of a constitutional amendment and began tightening border security measures.