New Delhi has reiterated its stance on the Lipulekh Pass, dismissing objections from Kathmandu regarding India's use of the route for the annual Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. Indian authorities have affirmed that the pass, a crucial part of the pilgrimage journey, lies squarely within its sovereign territory. This reaffirmation comes amid a longstanding border dispute between the two nations concerning the strategically significant tri-junction area of Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura.

The Lipulekh Pass serves as one of the established routes for Indian pilgrims undertaking the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a revered pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Manasarovar in the Tibetan Autonomous Region of China. India has been actively engaged in upgrading infrastructure along this route, including the construction and maintenance of a road to facilitate easier access for pilgrims and improve connectivity to border areas. India's Ministry of External Affairs has consistently maintained that the infrastructure development is taking place within Indian territory.

Nepal, however, contests India's claims over Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura, asserting these areas as part of its own territory. This dispute escalated significantly in May 2020 when Nepal released a new political map incorporating these regions, alongside Susta in southern Nepal, into its national boundaries. India promptly rejected Nepal's revised map, stating that such unilateral actions are unacceptable and based on historical facts and evidence.

  • Geographic Significance: The Lipulekh Pass is situated at an altitude of approximately 17,500 feet, connecting India's Uttarakhand state with the Tibet region.
  • Pilgrimage Routes: Two primary routes are recognized for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra from India: one through Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand) and another through Nathu La Pass (Sikkim).
  • Historical Context: Both India and Nepal refer to historical treaties and maps, including the Treaty of Sugauli from 1816, to support their respective claims over the disputed territories.
  • India's Position: India views its actions, including road construction, as within its undisputed territory, citing pre-existing agreements and administrative control.

Despite diplomatic exchanges and Nepal's formal objections to the road construction and use of the Lipulekh route, India has remained firm on its position. The Indian government views the infrastructure as essential for national security and for providing improved facilities for religious tourism. While diplomatic channels remain open for resolving border issues, India's dismissal of Nepal's objection indicates that the practical use and development of the Lipulekh route for the Kailash Yatra will continue under Indian administration, maintaining the current diplomatic impasse on this particular aspect of the border dispute. Future discussions between the two nations are anticipated to address the broader territorial disagreements.