The Dispute Between India And Nepal Explained

Nepal claims Lipu Lekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani based on the 1816 Sugauli Treaty with the British Raj. However, These areas have remained under the control of Indian troops since the 1962 Sino-Indian war. The current dispute between India and Nepal started when Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a road that passes through Lipu Lekh.

Nepal responded to the inauguration of the road by releasing a political map that includes the disputed territories within its borders. Yesterday, The parliament of Nepal has approved a constitutional amendment to enshrine the change in the political map of Nepal in the constitution of Nepal.

The Speaker of Nepal’s House of Representatives declared that all 258 members who were present voted in favour of the change in the political map of Nepal. Prime Minister of Nepal KP Sharma Oli remarked that the change is in favour of the national interests of Nepal. Indian External Affairs Ministry spokesperson said that the artificial enlargement of claims is not based on historical fact or evidence and is not tenable. He also said that the decision is in violation of the current understanding between India and Nepal.

I believe that India and Nepal must resolve the dispute diplomatically and that Nepal is only deteriorating the situation further by taking unilateral actions. I feel that Nepal is risking losing an important ally for territories that will be of little or no use to Nepal.