Lipulekh, Kali River And More: The Issues Between India And Nepal And How Sushila Karki May Handle Them

Last Updated:September 15, 2025, 13:29 IST

Lipulekh Pass, at the tri-junction of India, Nepal, and China, is strategically vital, linking India to Kailash Mansarovar and Tibet for pilgrimage and border access

Sushila Karki is known for her balanced leadership and advocacy for institutional reforms. (PTI/File)

Nepal’s new Prime Minister, Sushila Karki, has taken office following the Gen-Z Protest movement. Her leadership comes at a time when many in India are closely observing the situation in Nepal due to recent violence.

India and Nepal share a long-standing relationship, yet border disputes have occasionally strained ties between the two nations.

One of the most significant disputes involves the areas of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani, which prompted Nepal’s Parliament to release a new political map in 2020 under then-Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli’s aggressive stance. Despite India’s objections, the Oli administration passed an amendment officially recognising this new map, escalating tensions.

What Is The Lipulekh Dispute?

Lipulekh Pass, located at the tri-junction of India, Nepal, and China, is strategically crucial as it connects India to Kailash Mansarovar and Tibet. India asserts that Nepal’s border begins from the eastern bank of the Kali River, while Nepal claims the river originates from Limpiyadhura, placing Lipulekh and Kalapani within its territory.

In 2015, India signed an agreement with China to promote the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage via Lipulekh, which Nepal contested. The dispute re-emerged in 2019 when India released new maps of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, showing Kalapani within Indian borders. The subsequent release of Nepal’s new map by Oli’s government deepened the conflict.

Kali River And The Border Dispute

The India-Nepal border spans 1,800 kilometres and is mostly clearly demarcated. However, the origin of the Kali River remains contested. According to the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, the area west of the river belongs to India (then under British rule) and the area east to Nepal. The disagreement centres on the river’s true origin, with India identifying it as a stream and Nepal considering Limpiyadhura its source, thus complicating the status of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura.

KP Oli’s Hardline Approach

During Oli’s tenure, the dispute peaked as he tied it to Nepal’s ‘national identity’ and challenged India by passing the new map unanimously in Parliament. Oli accused India of ‘occupying Nepali territory’, a stance seen as a bid to rally nationalism in Nepal. This aggression strained traditional ties and cooled diplomatic relations between the countries.

Sushila Karki Draws All Eyes

With Sushila Karki now at the helm, all eyes are on how she will address this dispute. As Nepal’s first woman Prime Minister, Karki is known for her balanced leadership and advocacy for institutional reforms.

It is anticipated that Karki will favour dialogue and diplomacy over confrontation. She faces the dual challenge of respecting Nepalese sentiments on territorial rights while maintaining strong relations with India, crucial for Nepal’s economy and political stability. Karki may likely avoid aggressive measures on the disputed map, opting instead for joint commissions, bilateral talks, and technical surveys.

Why Is This Important For India?

For India, the Lipulekh route is vital as it connects to the Chinese border, impacting northern border security. India has developed infrastructure here, asserting the area as part of its territory, and maintains that the border dispute will be resolved through mutual dialogue without third-party interference.

Sushila Karki’s greatest test will be balancing Nepali nationalism with practical diplomacy. If she pursues dialogue and transparency, it could rejuvenate India-Nepal relations. Conversely, prioritising aggressive nationalism like Oli could further strain ties.

The Lipulekh and Kali River dispute is not merely about border lines but also a significant political issue within Nepal. The international community awaits to see whether Karki will follow in Oli’s footsteps or set a new precedent for dialogue and understanding.

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