In the first reaction after India's construction plan along the Lipulekh Pass stirred unrest in Nepal polity, New Delhi's mission in Kathmandu has said that the government of India's position on the India-Nepal boundary is well known.

New Delhi: Our position on the India-Nepal boundary is well known, consistent

In its first reaction after the announcement of the construction of a road in Lipulekh led to an outrage among the polity in Nepal, Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Saturday said the position of the Government of India on the India-Nepal boundary is known and has been conveyed to the Nepali Government.

The outrage began after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election rally in the Haldwani area of Uttarakhand on December 30, had announced that his government has extended a road to Lipulekh and further expansion work is going on.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/indian-pms-announcement-to-build-road-in-lipulekh-provokes-outrage-in-nepal-444400" hreflang="en">Modi's announcement to build road in Lipulekh provokes outrage in Nepal</a>

The Indian Embassy issued a statement on the ongoing high political activity in Kathmandu, with ruling and opposition leaders urging the Nepal government to take a more forceful stance on the latest development along the border with India.&nbsp;

“The Government of India’s position on the India-Nepal boundary is well known, consistent, and unambiguous. It has been communicated to the Government of Nepal,” the statement said.

Nepal has called the construction of the road by India as a “unilateral” action.&nbsp;

“It is our view that the established inter-governmental mechanisms and channels are most appropriate for communication and dialogue. Mutually agreed boundary issues that are outstanding can always be addressed in the spirit of our close and friendly bilateral relations,” the embassy added.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/former-nepal-pm-oli-says-will-take-back-kalapani-limpiyadhura-and-lipulekh-territories-from-india-432435">Former Nepal PM Oli says ‘will take back’ Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh territories from India</a>

Lipulekh, which lies at the tri-junction between India’s northern Uttarakhand state, China and Nepal, is claimed by Kathmandu.

Earlier, the ruling Nepali Congress issued a statement and demanded India to immediately withdraw its troops stationed in the Kalapani region and amicably resolve the border row through high-level diplomatic negotiation based on historical facts and evidence.

"Nepali Congress is clear that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani are Nepalese territories. The issue of the road construction in Lipulekh against the agreement reached at the Nepal-India Joint Commission to resolve all bilateral issues through diplomatic negotiations is objectionable and this must be stopped immediately,” the statement said.&nbsp;

Major political parties in Nepal have issued statements objecting to India’s expansion of roads in Lipulekh.

Calls are now growing from within the ruling alliance, from Deuba’s Nepali Congress and his coalition partners, to speak up and lodge a protest with India on Modi’s recent statement.

In its first reaction after the announcement of the construction of a road in Lipulekh led to an outrage among the polity in Nepal, Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Saturday said the position of the Government of India on the India-Nepal boundary is known and has been conveyed to the Nepali Government.

In its first reaction after the announcement of the construction of a road in Lipulekh led to an outrage among the polity in Nepal, Indian Embassy in Kathmandu on Saturday said the position of the Government of India on the India-Nepal boundary is known and has been conveyed to the Nepali Government. The outrage began after Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during an election rally in the Haldwani area of Uttarakhand on December 30, had announced that his government has extended a road to Lipulekh and further expansion work is going on. Also read | Modi's announcement to build road in Lipulekh provokes outrage in Nepal The Indian Embassy issued a statement on the ongoing high political activity in Kathmandu, with ruling and opposition leaders urging the Nepal government to take a more forceful stance on the latest development along the border with India. “The Government of India’s position on the India-Nepal boundary is well known, consistent, and unambiguous. It has been communicated to the Government of Nepal,” the statement said. Nepal has called the construction of the road by India as a “unilateral” action. “It is our view that the established inter-governmental mechanisms and channels are most appropriate for communication and dialogue. Mutually agreed boundary issues that are outstanding can always be addressed in the spirit of our close and friendly bilateral relations,” the embassy added. Also read | Former Nepal PM Oli says ‘will take back’ Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh territories from India Lipulekh, which lies at the tri-junction between India’s northern Uttarakhand state, China and Nepal, is claimed by Kathmandu. Earlier, the ruling Nepali Congress issued a statement and demanded India to immediately withdraw its troops stationed in the Kalapani region and amicably resolve the border row through high-level diplomatic negotiation based on historical facts and evidence. "Nepali Congress is clear that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani are Nepalese territories. The issue of the road construction in Lipulekh against the agreement reached at the Nepal-India Joint Commission to resolve all bilateral issues through diplomatic negotiations is objectionable and this must be stopped immediately,” the statement said. Major political parties in Nepal have issued statements objecting to India’s expansion of roads in Lipulekh. Calls are now growing from within the ruling alliance, from Deuba’s Nepali Congress and his coalition partners, to speak up and lodge a protest with India on Modi’s recent statement.

Indian embassy calls for dialogue with Nepal on Lipulekh boundary issue

Nepal aims to further strengthen its relations with the neighbouring nations, Finance Minister Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada has said.

"Foreign policy will be drafted on the basis of mutual benefits and respect, international commitment and responsibilities and justice," said Dr Khatiwada while presenting the annual budget for 2020-21 in parliament on Thursday.

"For the promotion of national interest, relations with neighbouring nations, development partners, labour hosting nations along with other friendly nations, for the security, decent employment opportunities and social security of Nepali working abroad, diplomatic missions would be given the charge," added Dr Khatiwada.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/nepal-parliament-delays-taking-up-of-constitutional-amendment-on-new-map-301294">Also watch:&nbsp;Nepal Parliament delays taking up of constitutional amendment on new map</a>

Tension has been mounting between New Delhi and Kathmandu after the issuance of the political map by Nepal including the Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, which India earlier had included in its map issued in November.

Diplomatic ties between the nations were further adversely affected after the inauguration of road linking Kailash Mansarovar via Lipulekh on May 8 after which Nepal handed over the diplomatic note to India objecting the move.

Prior to the handover of the diplomatic note, Nepal had also strongly objected to India's move to construct the road. Following a strong objection from Nepal, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said the road going through Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district "lies completely within the territory of India."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-fails-to-pass-constitutional-amendment-to-make-new-maps-official-301388">Also read:&nbsp;Nepal fails to pass constitutional amendment to make new maps official</a>

Nepal said it has "consistently maintained" that as per the Sugauli Treaty (1816), "all the territories east of Kali (Mahakali) river, including Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipu Lekh, belong to Nepal."

The Defence Ministry had said the Border Road Organisation (BRO) in Uttarakhand has connected Kailash Mansarovar route to Lipulekh pass, which will provide connectivity to border villages and security forces.

After the issuance of a new map on May 18, Nepal on May 22 had registered an amendment proposal to formally include the map in the lately promulgated "Constitution of Nepal 2077."

As the constitution amendment requires a two-thirds majority, the government this week took the decision off the schedule as Nepali Congress, main opposition asked for time to decide on it through its Central Committee meeting, which is scheduled for Saturday.

The government put off the move on Wednesday, but the proposal of the amendment is intact. Though the ruling Nepal Communist Party withholds two-third majority in Upper House, it falls short of dominance in the Lower House compelling it to seek support from other parties.

The House of Representatives or the Lower House of the Himalayan Nation has 275 seats out of which, the ruling NCP has 174 seats and runs short of 10 seats for a two-thirds majority. Main opposition Nepali Congress in the last parliamentary election won 63 seats and the Janata Samajbadi Party has 34 seats.

After the delay in the amendment move, India on Thursday acknowledged that it is open for engagement with all its neighbours on the basis of mutual sensitivity and respect in an environment of trust and confidence.

Speaking on the issue, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on Thursday mentioned that India continues to monitor the situation in Nepal.

"On the recent developments on the boundary issue, we continue to monitor the situation in Nepal. We note that this matter is receiving careful consideration in Nepal, taking its seriousness into account. India is open to engaging with all its neighbours on the basis of mutual sensitivity and mutual respect, in an environment of trust and confidence. This is a continuous process and requires constructive and positive efforts," he said.

Mr Srivastava said that in recent years, the bilateral relations have been on an upward trajectory.

"India attaches great importance to the deep-rooted historical, cultural and friendly relations with Nepal. In recent years, our relations have been on an upward trajectory, which is evident from expanding and diversified bilateral cooperation and increased the Government of India's assistance for development and connectivity projects," he said.

"Even in these challenging times of COVID-19 pandemic, India has ensured unimpeded trade and supply of essentials including medicines to Nepal, besides providing assistance in terms of medical supplies and other facilitation," he added.

Nepal aims to further strengthen its relations with the neighbouring nations, Finance Minister Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada has said. "Foreign policy will be drafted on the basis of mutual benefits and respect, international commitment and responsibilities and justice," said Dr Khatiwada while presenting the annual budget for 2020-21 in parliament on Thursday.

Nepal aims to further strengthen its relations with the neighbouring nations, Finance Minister Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada has said. "Foreign policy will be drafted on the basis of mutual benefits and respect, international commitment and responsibilities and justice," said Dr Khatiwada while presenting the annual budget for 2020-21 in parliament on Thursday. "For the promotion of national interest, relations with neighbouring nations, development partners, labour hosting nations along with other friendly nations, for the security, decent employment opportunities and social security of Nepali working abroad, diplomatic missions would be given the charge," added Dr Khatiwada. Also watch: Nepal Parliament delays taking up of constitutional amendment on new map Tension has been mounting between New Delhi and Kathmandu after the issuance of the political map by Nepal including the Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, which India earlier had included in its map issued in November. Diplomatic ties between the nations were further adversely affected after the inauguration of road linking Kailash Mansarovar via Lipulekh on May 8 after which Nepal handed over the diplomatic note to India objecting the move. Prior to the handover of the diplomatic note, Nepal had also strongly objected to India's move to construct the road. Following a strong objection from Nepal, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said the road going through Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district "lies completely within the territory of India." Also read: Nepal fails to pass constitutional amendment to make new maps official Nepal said it has "consistently maintained" that as per the Sugauli Treaty (1816), "all the territories east of Kali (Mahakali) river, including Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipu Lekh, belong to Nepal." The Defence Ministry had said the Border Road Organisation (BRO) in Uttarakhand has connected Kailash Mansarovar route to Lipulekh pass, which will provide connectivity to border villages and security forces. After the issuance of a new map on May 18, Nepal on May 22 had registered an amendment proposal to formally include the map in the lately promulgated "Constitution of Nepal 2077." As the constitution amendment requires a two-thirds majority, the government this week took the decision off the schedule as Nepali Congress, main opposition asked for time to decide on it through its Central Committee meeting, which is scheduled for Saturday. The government put off the move on Wednesday, but the proposal of the amendment is intact. Though the ruling Nepal Communist Party withholds two-third majority in Upper House, it falls short of dominance in the Lower House compelling it to seek support from other parties. The House of Representatives or the Lower House of the Himalayan Nation has 275 seats out of which, the ruling NCP has 174 seats and runs short of 10 seats for a two-thirds majority. Main opposition Nepali Congress in the last parliamentary election won 63 seats and the Janata Samajbadi Party has 34 seats. After the delay in the amendment move, India on Thursday acknowledged that it is open for engagement with all its neighbours on the basis of mutual sensitivity and respect in an environment of trust and confidence. Speaking on the issue, MEA Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava on Thursday mentioned that India continues to monitor the situation in Nepal. "On the recent developments on the boundary issue, we continue to monitor the situation in Nepal. We note that this matter is receiving careful consideration in Nepal, taking its seriousness into account. India is open to engaging with all its neighbours on the basis of mutual sensitivity and mutual respect, in an environment of trust and confidence. This is a continuous process and requires constructive and positive efforts," he said. Mr Srivastava said that in recent years, the bilateral relations have been on an upward trajectory. "India attaches great importance to the deep-rooted historical, cultural and friendly relations with Nepal. In recent years, our relations have been on an upward trajectory, which is evident from expanding and diversified bilateral cooperation and increased the Government of India's assistance for development and connectivity projects," he said. "Even in these challenging times of COVID-19 pandemic, India has ensured unimpeded trade and supply of essentials including medicines to Nepal, besides providing assistance in terms of medical supplies and other facilitation," he added.

Nepal to strengthen relations with neighbouring nations: Finance Minister Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada

Nepal's cabinet on Monday approved the new controversial map of the country which shows Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura as its own.

Last week the Nepal president while addressing the joint session of the Parliament had said new maps of the country will be published that will show all areas it considers its own.&nbsp;

Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari said,"Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani region are Nepal's territory and concrete diplomatic efforts will be taken towards reclaiming these territories. An official map of Nepal will be published accordingly incorporating all the territories of Nepal."

Elaborating on the Nepal&nbsp;government's approach, Bhandari explained that the "government of Nepal is committed to safeguarding the international borders of Nepal" and "outstanding border disputes with India will be resolved through diplomatic medium relying on available historical treaties, maps, facts, and evidence".

Kathmandu raised the chorus over the issue earlier this month when India's defence minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new road from Dharchula to Lipulekh that will reduce the time taken for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage.

Soon after, Indian envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra was called by Nepal's foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali was called to raise the matter.

India has clarified to Nepal on Lipulekh that the "recently inaugurated road section in Pithoragarh district in the state of Uttarakhand lies completely within the territory of India."

New Delhi sees increased Chinese role in Nepal as a reason for current comments by Kathmandu. Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday had hinted at foreign involvement with Nepal for raking up the Lipulekh issue.

Army chief speaking at a think-tank IDSA's online meet had said,"I do not know exactly what they are exactly agitating about. Never been a problem in the past, reasons to believe they might have raised these problems, issues at the behest of someone else and there is very much a possibility."

While names have not been taken, Chinese increased involvement in the country is something that is well known.

The ongoing dispute is not new and dates back to 1816 when under the Treaty of Sugauli, King of Nepal lost parts of its territory to British including Kalapani and Lipulekh.&nbsp;

Nepal's cabinet on Monday approved the new controversial map of the country which shows Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura as its own. Last week the Nepal president while addressing the joint session of the Parliament had said new maps of the country will be published that will show all areas it considers its own.

Nepal's cabinet on Monday approved the new controversial map of the country which shows Indian territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura as its own. Last week the Nepal president while addressing the joint session of the Parliament had said new maps of the country will be published that will show all areas it considers its own. Nepal President Bidhya Devi Bhandari said,"Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani region are Nepal's territory and concrete diplomatic efforts will be taken towards reclaiming these territories. An official map of Nepal will be published accordingly incorporating all the territories of Nepal." Elaborating on the Nepal government's approach, Bhandari explained that the "government of Nepal is committed to safeguarding the international borders of Nepal" and "outstanding border disputes with India will be resolved through diplomatic medium relying on available historical treaties, maps, facts, and evidence". Kathmandu raised the chorus over the issue earlier this month when India's defence minister Rajnath Singh inaugurated a new road from Dharchula to Lipulekh that will reduce the time taken for Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. Soon after, Indian envoy to Nepal Vinay Mohan Kwatra was called by Nepal's foreign minister Pradeep Kumar Gyawali was called to raise the matter. India has clarified to Nepal on Lipulekh that the "recently inaugurated road section in Pithoragarh district in the state of Uttarakhand lies completely within the territory of India." New Delhi sees increased Chinese role in Nepal as a reason for current comments by Kathmandu. Indian Army chief General Manoj Mukund Naravane on Friday had hinted at foreign involvement with Nepal for raking up the Lipulekh issue. Army chief speaking at a think-tank IDSA's online meet had said,"I do not know exactly what they are exactly agitating about. Never been a problem in the past, reasons to believe they might have raised these problems, issues at the behest of someone else and there is very much a possibility." While names have not been taken, Chinese increased involvement in the country is something that is well known. The ongoing dispute is not new and dates back to 1816 when under the Treaty of Sugauli, King of Nepal lost parts of its territory to British including Kalapani and Lipulekh.

Nepal cabinet approves controversial map claiming Indian territory

Chief of Indian Army General MM Naravane suspects that the complaint communicated by the Nepalese government to India's development of a key connection street in Uttarakhand on the outskirt with China could have been done at the "behest of someone else".&nbsp;

In an interaction at a defence think-tank, Gen Naravane said India will have to remain "alive" to a scenario of a "two-front" war along the northern and western borders, but noted that he does not foresee the possibility of every confrontation leading to such a situation.

Kathmandu had earlier expressed “regret” over India’s “unilateral” decision of constructing a road in a border area that has to be resolved between India and Nepal.

The strategic link road connecting Lipulekh pass at a height of 17,000 ft was inaugurated by Rajnath Singh on Friday. With the completion of this project, the arduous trek through high-altitude terrain can now be avoided by the pilgrims of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and the period of the journey will also reduce by many days.

On Nepal raising objections to India laying the Lipulekh-Dharchula road, Gen Naravane said the reaction by the neighbouring country was surprising.&nbsp; 
 
"The area east of Kali river belongs to them. The road that we built is on the west of the river. There was no dispute. I don't know what they are agitating about," the Army Chief said. 
 
"There has never been any problem in the past. There is reason to believe that they might have raised the issues at the behest of someone else and that is very much a possibility," he said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Chief of Indian Army General MM Naravane suspects that the complaint communicated by the Nepalese government to India's development of a key connection street in Uttarakhand on the outskirt with China could have been done at the "behest of someone else".

Chief of Indian Army General MM Naravane suspects that the complaint communicated by the Nepalese government to India's development of a key connection street in Uttarakhand on the outskirt with China could have been done at the "behest of someone else". In an interaction at a defence think-tank, Gen Naravane said India will have to remain "alive" to a scenario of a "two-front" war along the northern and western borders, but noted that he does not foresee the possibility of every confrontation leading to such a situation. Kathmandu had earlier expressed “regret” over India’s “unilateral” decision of constructing a road in a border area that has to be resolved between India and Nepal. The strategic link road connecting Lipulekh pass at a height of 17,000 ft was inaugurated by Rajnath Singh on Friday. With the completion of this project, the arduous trek through high-altitude terrain can now be avoided by the pilgrims of Kailash Mansarovar Yatra and the period of the journey will also reduce by many days. On Nepal raising objections to India laying the Lipulekh-Dharchula road, Gen Naravane said the reaction by the neighbouring country was surprising. "The area east of Kali river belongs to them. The road that we built is on the west of the river. There was no dispute. I don't know what they are agitating about," the Army Chief said. "There has never been any problem in the past. There is reason to believe that they might have raised the issues at the behest of someone else and that is very much a possibility," he said. (With inputs from agencies)

Nepal’s objections to link road for Kailash Mansarovar through Lipulekh pass at someone else's behest: Army Chief

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New Delhi: Our position on the India-Nepal boundary is well known, consistent

Indian embassy calls for dialogue with Nepal on Lipulekh boundary issue

Nepal to strengthen relations with neighbouring nations: Finance Minister Dr Yubaraj Khatiwada

Nepal cabinet approves controversial map claiming Indian territory

Nepal’s objections to link road for Kailash Mansarovar through Lipulekh pass at someone else's behest: Army Chief