Kailash Mansarovar YatraWith China’s support, crossing the Lipulekh Pass through the state of Uttarakhand which is claimed by Nepal.The Indian government later rejected Nepal’s territorial claims and said that India has consistently maintained that such claims are neither justified, nor based on historical facts and evidence. Responding to a statement by Nepal’s Foreign Ministry, it said, “Such unilateral artificial expansion of territorial claims is untenable.”Nepal, in its statement earlier in the day, said it had raised the issue diplomatically with both India and China and informed them of its “unequivocal stance and concern” regarding the planned pilgrimage through “Nepali area Lipulekh”.The Ministry of External Affairs responded by saying that India’s position in this regard is consistent and clear. It said, “Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954 and the Yatra through this route has been going on for decades.” This is not a new development.Nepal’s Foreign Ministry said, “The Government of Nepal is absolutely clear and firm on the fact that, as per the Sugauli Treaty of 1816, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani – which lie to the east of the Mahakali River – are integral parts of Nepal.” India has earlier responded to such statements by asking Nepal to refrain from any unfair mapping claims and respect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.The border issue could be the first real test for relations between the countries as the Balendra Shah-led government ramps up its foreign policy. The two sides are currently discussing the visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Kathmandu next week to strengthen the bilateral cooperation agenda.Lipulekh in the Kalapani region in western Nepal is one of the two tri-junctions that Nepal has with India and China. For India, the Kalapani region including Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh remains a part of Uttarakhand. Nepal had earlier also objected to India and China’s decision to expand trade through the strategic Lipulekh Pass.Nepal’s statement reminded that earlier too, it had consistently urged India not to “carry out any activities like road construction or expansion, border trade or pilgrimage tourism in that area”. Further, it is clarified that friendly nation China has also been officially informed that Lipulekh area is Nepalese territory.Nepal said, “In line with the spirit of close and friendly relations between Nepal and India, the Government of Nepal is committed to resolving the border issues through diplomatic channels on the basis of historical treaties, agreements, facts, maps and evidence.”India in its response said it is open to constructive dialogue with Nepal on all issues in bilateral relations, including resolving outstanding border issues as agreed through dialogue and diplomacy.