May 08, Kathmandu - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Nepal has reiterated its commitment to resolving the Lipulekh border issue through diplomatic channels.

During a regular press conference at Singh Durbar on Friday, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lok Bahadur Poudel Chhetri emphasized that Nepal remains firm in its stance regarding the Lipulekh border area. He stated that Nepal has already made its position clear to the international community.

“Regarding the Lipulekh region and the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, which is said to connect Nepal, India, and China, we publicly expressed our viewpoint on Baisakh 20, 2083,” Khatri said. “Since the Treaty of Sugauli of 1816, Nepal has consistently maintained that Limpiadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani are integral parts of Nepali territory. Nepal’s position remains clear and unwavering.”

He further stated that Nepal has conveyed its stance diplomatically to both India and China and is eager to resolve the border dispute in a manner that respects the spirit of friendly relations and close ties between Nepal and India.

Chhetri also reaffirmed Nepal’s longstanding commitment to resolving border issues through diplomatic means, based on historical treaties, facts, maps, and evidence.

While India recently opened online applications for Nepali citizens wishing to undertake pilgrimage to Kailash Mansarovar via Lipulekh, Nepal has lodged a diplomatic protest against this move through official notes. India has expressed readiness to seek a resolution through diplomatic channels, but during a regular press briefing at India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday, a spokesperson claimed that Nepal’s claims are not accurate and reiterated that the border issue has been ongoing since 1954.