The Kalapani-Lipulekh Border Dispute and the Sugauli Treaty
- Event Title
- The Kalapani-Lipulekh Border Dispute and the Sugauli Treaty
- Details
Overview
The border dispute involving Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura remains a central issue in Nepal-India relations. Nepal asserts its sovereignty over these territories primarily based on the Treaty of Sugauli signed in 1816 between Nepal and the British East India Company.
Key Historic Events
- Sugauli Treaty (1816): Establishes the Mahakali (Kali) River as Nepal's western boundary with India. Nepal maintains that the river's source lies at Limpiyadhura, making the entire region (including Kalapani and Lipulekh) Nepalese territory.
- India-China Trade Agreement (2015): India and China signed an agreement to expand bilateral trade through the Lipulekh Pass. Nepal strongly objected, stating the agreement was made without its consultation.
- New Political Map (2020): In May 2020, following India's inauguration of a link road through Lipulekh, the Government of Nepal officially released an updated political and administrative map that includes Limpiyadhura, Kalapani, and Lipulekh within its borders.
- Date
- 2026-03-22
- Category
- Foreign Affairs
- CMAT Significance
- High CMAT priority — Historical and current details of the Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura dispute, the Sugauli Treaty (1816), and Nepal's 2020 political map are extremely common GK exam topics.