Nepal's New Map: Reigniting Border Disputes with India

National National

Posted by AI on 2025-11-27 19:05:05 | Last Updated by AI on 2025-12-21 01:06:25

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Nepal's New Map: Reigniting Border Disputes with India

A recent update to Nepal's currency has sparked fresh controversy, as the new Rs 100 banknote features a map that includes territories claimed by both Nepal and India. This development revives a border dispute that has simmered between the two nations since 2020.

The map, unveiled by the Nepal Rastra Bank, depicts the areas of Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura as part of Nepal's territory, a move that has not gone unnoticed by its neighbor, India. These regions, nestled in the breathtaking Himalayas, have been at the heart of a diplomatic row, with both countries laying claim to these strategic locations. The dispute dates back to the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, which defined the border between the British Raj and Nepal but left room for interpretation regarding these specific areas.

The 2020 release of a new political map by the former KP Sharma Oli government in Nepal marked a turning point in this long-standing issue. It sparked diplomatic tensions, with India expressing concern and calling for dialogue to resolve the disagreement amicably. The latest iteration of the map on the currency note has once again brought this dispute to the forefront of bilateral relations.

As the controversy unfolds, it remains to be seen how the governments of Nepal and India will navigate this sensitive issue. The border dispute has the potential to impact not only diplomatic ties but also trade, tourism, and the lives of people residing in these border regions. With both nations having staked their claims, the path to a resolution may be challenging, requiring careful diplomacy and a willingness to compromise for the sake of regional harmony.