Difference between India and Nepal regarding Lipulekh Pass, India rejected Nepal’s objection

New Delhi: The border issue between India and Nepal has once again come into discussion. After Nepal’s objection to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra going through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, India has clearly put forward its stand. India has said that Nepal’s claim on this area is neither justified nor based on historical facts.

On Sunday, the Nepal government sent diplomatic letters to India and China objecting to the use of this route. Nepal says that Lipulekh Pass falls within its claimed area, to which India has given a strong reply and reiterated its old and clear stand.

Nepal raised objection, sent diplomatic letter

Nepal’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Paudel Chhetri said that his country’s concerns have been conveyed to both India and China through diplomatic channels. Nepal has lodged an objection expressing its claim on the route of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra passing through Lipulekh Pass.

India’s clear answer

Responding to the issue, India’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that India’s stand has always been clear and consistent.

"With regard to territorial claims, India has consistently maintained that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. This type of unilateral artificial expansion of territorial claims is unacceptable,"Jaiswal said.

He also clarified that Lipulekh Pass has been a traditional route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954 and the use of this route is nothing new.

India ready for dialogue

Randhir Jaiswal said that India is ready for constructive talks with Nepal on all bilateral issues.

He said, "India is open to constructive dialogue with Nepal on all issues of bilateral relations, including resolving the agreed outstanding border issues through dialogue and diplomacy."

The journey started again in 2025

Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh Pass was restarted in 2025 after a gap of five years. This decision was taken as part of efforts to normalize relations between India and China after the prolonged military standoff on the Line of Actual Control (LAC).

The journey will run from June to August

This year this yatra will be organized between June to August. In this, 10 groups of 50 pilgrims will travel through Lipulekh Pass in Uttarakhand, while 10 other groups of 50 pilgrims will travel through Nathu La Pass in Sikkim.

Nepal’s claim: The territory is ours on the basis of treaty

Nepal’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson claimed that under the Sugauli Treaty of 1816, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani areas are integral parts of Nepal.

He has also urged India to refrain from activities like road construction, border trade and pilgrimage in these areas.