A fresh diplomatic rift has emerged between Nepal and India following Nepal’s formal objection to the use of the Lipulekh Pass for the upcoming Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, scheduled to resume from June to August 2026.
In a statement released on May 3, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs said, “The Government of Nepal is fully clear and firm that the territories of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani—situated east of the Mahakali River—are integral parts of Nepal under the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli.”
The Government of Nepal said it has communicated its concerns to both India and China, noting that it has consistently urged India to cease activities in the region, including road construction or expansion, border trade, and pilgrimage. Despite this, Kathmandu emphasized its commitment to resolving the dispute through “diplomatic channels based on historical facts, maps, and evidence.”
India Dismisses “Unjustified” Claims
India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a swift rebuttal, dismissing Nepal’s objections as being without historical merit.
MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “India’s position in this regard had been consistent and clear. Lipulekh Pass has been a long standing route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra since 1954 and the Yatra through this route has been going on for decades. This is not a new development.”
He said that Nepal’s claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts. Such unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable, he added.
However, New Delhi expressed a willingness to remain open to “constructive interaction” and dialogue to resolve outstanding boundary issues.
The diplomatic friction intensified after India announced the resumption of the annual pilgrimage via the Lipulekh route for the 2026 season.
The Ministry of External Affairs of India recently announced that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, coordinated with the Government of the People’s Republic of China, will take place from June to August 2026. According to the statement, 10 batches of 50 pilgrims each will travel through Uttarakhand State crossing over at Lipulekh Pass and another 10 batches, each consisting of 50 Yatris, through Sikkim State crossing over at Nathu La Pass.