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Lipulekh Pass Row Explained: India-Nepal Tensions Rise Over Kailash Mansarovar Route

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The Lipulekh Pass controversy has resurfaced after Nepal objected to India’s Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route. Here’s a detailed explanation of the dispute, history, and current developments.

A fresh diplomatic friction has emerged between India and Nepal over the use of the strategically significant Lipulekh Pass for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The controversy resurfaced after Nepal raised strong objections to India’s decision to resume the pilgrimage route via Lipulekh, prompting a firm response from New Delhi. The issue, deeply rooted in historical claims and geopolitical sensitivities, once again highlights the complexities of Himalayan border politics involving China as well.

The dispute gained momentum after India announced the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra for 2026, scheduled between June and August. According to the plan, multiple batches of pilgrims are expected to travel through the Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand to reach Tibet, a route that has been in use for decades. However, this announcement triggered an immediate reaction from Kathmandu, where authorities reiterated their long-standing claim over the region.

Nepal’s government, led by Balendra Shah, has asserted that the territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura fall within its sovereign boundaries based on historical treaties. Officials in Kathmandu argue that any infrastructure development, trade activity, or pilgrimage route through these areas should not proceed without Nepal’s consent. The country’s foreign ministry has also stated that it has formally conveyed its concerns to both India and China through diplomatic channels.

On the other hand, India has categorically rejected Nepal’s claims, maintaining that its position on the Lipulekh Pass remains consistent and well-documented. Responding to the controversy, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal emphasized that Lipulekh has been a traditional route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954. He noted that the route has been used by Indian pilgrims for decades and that its usage is neither new nor unprecedented.

India has also reiterated that the territorial claims made by Nepal are not supported by historical evidence or established facts. According to New Delhi, attempts to raise such issues unilaterally do not contribute positively to bilateral relations. At the same time, India has expressed willingness to engage in constructive dialogue with Nepal to address all outstanding issues, including boundary disputes, through diplomatic means.

The Lipulekh Pass itself holds immense strategic and cultural importance. Situated at a high altitude in the Himalayas, it serves as a tri-junction between India, Nepal, and China. The region has been under Indian administrative control, particularly after the 1962 India-China conflict, although Nepal continues to assert its claim over the area. The overlapping claims have made Lipulekh a sensitive geopolitical flashpoint over the years.

Historically, the dispute traces back to the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli between British India and Nepal, which defined the boundary along the Mahakali River. The interpretation of the river’s origin has remained a contentious issue, with both sides presenting different historical maps and records to support their claims. Nepal argues that territories east of the river, including Lipulekh, belong to it, while India maintains a different interpretation of the boundary alignment.

The issue also has a trilateral dimension involving China. In 2015, India and China agreed to expand trade and pilgrimage activities through the Lipulekh Pass without Nepal’s direct involvement, which had already caused friction at the time. A similar understanding was revisited in recent years, further intensifying Nepal’s concerns. Former Nepali Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had earlier raised the issue with Chinese leadership, but no concrete resolution emerged.

Beyond geopolitics, the Lipulekh route is significant for religious reasons as well. The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra is one of the most revered pilgrimages for Hindus, Buddhists, and Jains. Thousands of devotees undertake this journey every year to visit Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet. The Lipulekh route is considered one of the most accessible paths for Indian pilgrims, making it a crucial corridor for religious tourism.

Experts believe that the current standoff, while serious, is unlikely to escalate if handled through diplomatic engagement. Both India and Nepal share deep cultural, economic, and historical ties, and maintaining stability in their relationship is considered mutually beneficial. However, unresolved boundary issues like Lipulekh continue to test the resilience of bilateral ties.

Conclusion

The Lipulekh Pass controversy is not just about a pilgrimage route but reflects broader geopolitical, historical, and strategic dimensions of India-Nepal relations. While India remains firm on its position, Nepal’s renewed assertion underscores the sensitivity of border issues in the Himalayan region. The path forward will largely depend on sustained dialogue, mutual understanding, and diplomatic maturity from all sides involved.

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