18 Jestha, Kathmandu – India has sent a response to the diplomatic note sent by Nepal regarding the use of Lipulekh. Prime Minister Balendra Shah informed the parliament that a reply from India has been received concerning the diplomatic communication. On 20 Baisakh, the Nepalese government had raised objections to the operation of Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimages between India and China passing through Lipulekh, a territory based on Nepalese land, and sent diplomatic notes to both neighboring countries. After consultations with all political parties, the government officially dispatched diplomatic notes to both countries concerning Nepal’s sovereign territory. India and China had claimed that the pilgrimages crossing Lipulekh were being conducted openly.
The Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage organized by the Indian government is scheduled to operate from June to August in 2026. Soon after Nepal sent the diplomatic note, India commented that the pilgrimage has been ongoing since 1954. At that time, Indian Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal had responded to the matter. Prime Minister Shah formally stated that an official reply has been received from India. “Honorable members seem to have sought an understanding of the Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura issues. On this matter, the Nepal government has already sent an official note to the Indian government and the response has also been received,” Prime Minister Shah said on Sunday while responding to a question from UML MP Padma Aryal.
The Prime Minister added that the reply mentioned resolving the issue through dialogue. He said, “The response stated that both governments will involve their historians, surveyors, and land experts to address the issue through table talks and find a solution.” Regarding whether a diplomatic response has been received from China, the Prime Minister expressed difficulty in providing clarity. He also disclosed that discussions concerning Lipulekh have been held not only with India and China but also with the British government. Based on facts and evidence, including the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, Nepal asserts that the Mahakali River, originating from Limpiyadhura, marks its boundary.
