Andalib Akhter / New Delhi
India on Sunday reiterated its consistent position on the use of the Lipulekh Pass route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, responding to recent claims raised by Nepal regarding border issues.
Earlier Nepal has formally objected to a key pilgrimage route via Lipulekh, sending a protest to India and China. The move revives a long-standing border dispute, even as Kathmandu calls for dialogue.
In an official statement, Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said the Lipulekh Pass has been a long-established route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954, and the pilgrimage through this passage has continued uninterrupted for decades.
He emphasised that India’s stance on the matter has remained “consistent and clear,” adding that the use of the route is not a new development.
Addressing territorial concerns, the spokesperson stated that India does not consider such claims to be justified or supported by historical facts and evidence. He described any unilateral attempts to extend territorial claims as “untenable.”
At the same time, India underlined its willingness to engage constructively with Nepal on all bilateral matters, including pending boundary issues. The statement stressed that such concerns should be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic channels.
The remarks come in the backdrop of renewed discussions between the two neighbours over border sensitivities linked to the annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
The response comes after Nepal formally objected to the proposed pilgrimage route via Lipulekh, sending a diplomatic protest to both India and China.
Kathmandu said the move concerns a disputed area and reiterated its long-standing claim over the region.
“The Government of Nepal remains clear and firm that, as per the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani are integral parts of Nepal,” the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.