India Nepal Border Issues- Explained Pointwise

The recent decision of Nepal cabinet to put a map on its Rs 100 currency note showing certain areas administered by India in Uttarakhand as part of its territory, has drawn strong reactions from India. EAM S Jaishankar has strongly remarked that such “unilateral measures” by Kathmandu would not change the reality on the ground. India and Nepal have long-standing border disputes which are yet to be resolved.

What is the Border Dispute Between India and Nepal?

The territorial border dispute between India and Nepal are as follows-
a. A 372-sq-km area that includes Kalapani, Limpiadhura, and Lipulekh at the India-Nepal-China trijunction in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district.
b. Susta Region in West Champaran district, Bihar.

a. Kalapani Region

Controversy Regarding the Dispute

The Treaty of Sugauli signed by the Kingdom of Nepal and British India (after Anglo-Nepalese War) in 1816 located the Kali River as Nepal’s western boundary with India. The Kali River in the Kalapani region demarcates the border between India and Nepal.

The discrepancy in locating the source of the Kali river has to boundary disputes between India and Nepal. Each country has produced its own maps supporting their own claims.

Nepal’s stand

Nepal is of the view that the river which flows to the west of Kalapani is the main River Kali. They also believe that River Kali originates at either Limpiyadhura or the nearby Lipulekh pass, which are both within the Nepalese territory.

India’s stand

India believes that the River Kali originates from a smaller rivulet named Pankhagad. It lies on the southern portion of Kalapani. Hence, it is the true border, and the Kalapani territory lies in India.

b. Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura region

Lipulekh and Limpayadhura (Limpiya pass) located on the Nepal-Tibet border. Lipulekh is the shortest route to reach Taklakot, a Tibetan township of China.

Nepal claims that the Indian army has encroached on both regions during the 1962 territorial offering of King Mahendra.

c. Susta Region (West Champaran)

Susta, is another disputed area in the India-Nepal border. It is a 145-sq-km area that had fallen on the Indian side after the River Gandak changed course.

During the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, the west side of the Gandak river belongs to Nepal and the Eastern part of the river belongs to India. But due to frequent change of course by the Gandak river, the Susta region at present belongs to the Eastern part. This is not accepted by Nepal.

What steps have been taken for the resolution of India-Nepal Boundary Dispute?

a. In the 1980s, India and Nepal set up the Joint Technical Level Boundary Working Group to delineate their boundary. The group demarcated every border except Kalapani and Susta area.

b. In 1988, Nepal officially brought the issue of Kalapani before India. Prime Minister I K Gujral (April 1997-March 1998) promised to give up these areas if Nepal was able to produce evidence for its claim.

c. In 2000, at the prime ministerial level talk held between PM Atal Bihari Vajpayee and the visiting Nepal PM G P Koirala, both the sides agreed to demarcate the outstanding areas (including Kalapani) by 2002. However, the mechanism led by the two foreign secretaries did not make progress.

d. In 2014, at the meeting between PM Narendra Modi and his Nepali Counterpart Sushil Prasad Koirala, it was agreed to set up a boundary working group for speedy settlement of the border issue in Kalapani and Susta.

However, the issue has not been resolved between the two countries. Recently, a Constitutional Amendment Bill was passed by Nepal’s parliament to legitimize the alteration to the country’s map with the addition of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura.

Why is the early resolution of the Border Dispute between India and Nepal necessary for both the parties?

Nepal’s importance to India

a. Strategic location- Nepal shares a border of about 1850 km with five Indian States – Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, West Bengal and Sikkim. This makes it an important buffer state for India’s security interests.

b. Connectivity- Nepal provides a crucial transit route for India to connect with other neighbouring countries and enhance regional connectivity. For ex- The location of Lipulekh pass provides connectivity to Tibetan region.

c. Energy cooperation- Nepal’s hydropower potential can contribute to India’s renewable energy requirements. This will help India to fulfil its Panchamrit obligations.

d. Regional stability- A stable and friendly Nepal is essential for India’s overall regional stability and influence. It will also help to counter the growing Chinese influence in the region.

India’s importance to Nepal

a. Economic dependence- Nepal relies on India for trade and transportation of goods, as well as access to sea routes.

b. Cultural and religious Ties- India and Nepal share a deep cultural and religious heritage, which strengthens their social bonds.

c. Assistance and support- During times of crisis, such as the 2015 earthquake and pandemic, India has provided significant aid and support to Nepal.

d. Infrastructure development- India’s involvement in infrastructure projects, such as hydropower, contributes to Nepal’s economic growth and development.

e. Security cooperation- India plays a crucial role in ensuring the security and stability of Nepal, supporting its defence and border management.

What are the Challenges in resolving border Disputes?

a. Cartographic Disagreements- India and Nepal have disputes over the historical maps issued by the British Surveyor General of India in 1819, 1821, 1827, 1856, 1921 and 1947.

b. Frequently changing courses of rivers- Since the boundaries have been demarcated based on the drainage pattern of the rivers, the meandering of these rivers have resulted in boundary disputes. For ex- Meandering of Gandak river causing the emergence of Susta dispute.

c. Growing Chinese influence- There has been an increase in the Chinese Influence in the domestic affairs of Nepal. This has also resulted in the aggravation of the Border Disputes.

d. Anti India Feeling- The 134-day blockade of Nepal in September 2015 and the Madheshi issue has created significant distrust against India. This has led to the prolongation of the border dispute between India and Nepal. It has prompted Nepal to sign a trade and transit agreement with China in order to create a fallback source for the supply of essential goods.

What Should be the Way Forward?

1. Establishment of permanent mechanism of Boundary Dispute Resolution- A permanent mechanism of Boundary Dispute resolution must be established between India and Nepal for peaceful resolution of Disputes through Diplomatic Channels. For ex- Nepal sorting out its boundary issues with China in the early 1960s.

2. Addressing the geographical and ecological concerns- A consultative approach needs to be evolved where ecological concerns and the changing geographical patterns of the rivers are addressed.

3. Mutual addressal of Concerns- The Nepal government has to shed its rigid stance of territorial nationalism and the Indian Government must shed its big brother attitude to arrive at mutual consensus to resolve their boundary concerns.

The India-Nepal relationship is a unique relationship, built by friendship and cooperation with cultural and civilizational links. The border dispute is one of the important issues to solve to take ahead India and Nepal relations to another level. But to be successful, forgetting the mistakes and claims of the past along with a fresh start is key to both the countries.