Nepal Expresses Concern Over India-China Border Deal; Indian Foreign Secretary's Visit Uncertain

Kathmandu. Nepal's visit by Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri has become uncertain as the issue of border dispute has once again come into discussion. India and China have reached an agreement on the issue of starting the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra through Nepal's Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, and Lipulek areas. India's Ministry of External Affairs had announced on April 30 that the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra would be operated from June to August in coordination with the Chinese government.

Nepal has made it clear through a diplomatic note to both countries that it has objected to the agreement. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs released a press note on Sunday, clarifying that the government remains firm that Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, and Kalapani east of the Mahakali River belong to Nepal according to the Sugauli Treaty of 1816.

The government has stated through a press note that Nepal has once again informed both India and China of its clear stance regarding the journey that is said to be organized through Nepali land Lipulek. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has also stated that it has been continuously urging India not to undertake any activities such as road construction, trade, or pilgrimage in that area.

After the press note issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs issued a press note rejecting Nepal's claim.

In the statement released by the Indian Ministry of External Affairs, it was mentioned that the Lipulek pass has been used for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954 and that this is not a new development, stating that such regional claims are not based on historical facts and evidence. India has also stated that it is ready for constructive dialogue on all issues within the bilateral relations with Nepal.

Sources say that the visit of Secretary Misri to Nepal has also become uncertain due to the border dispute between the two countries. Earlier, there was ambiguity about whether Prime Minister Balen Shah would meet with Secretary Misri during his visit to Nepal. Now, with the border dispute coming to the surface, the uncertainty has increased.

Misri's visit to Nepal was supposed to start on May 11, but the Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that there was no formal decision regarding the visit.

Indian Foreign Secretary Misri was coming to Nepal to formally invite Prime Minister Balen for a visit to India, but the visit had become uncertain at that time as Prime Minister Balen had not confirmed the meeting. However, preparations were underway on both sides. Sources say this dispute has added further uncertainty.

Even if Indian Foreign Secretary Misri does not visit Nepal, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal is understood to be visiting India. Sources from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs indicate that he will be attending the BRICS Foreign Ministers' conference to be held in India. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has not provided official information regarding this either.