Nepal’s recent move to depict disputed territories on its new 100 rupee note has reignited tensions with India. Following in the footsteps of China, Nepal has boldly asserted its ownership over the Lipulek, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani regions, currently under Indian control. This decision, approved by Nepal’s Council of Ministers, underscores a longstanding dispute between the two nations.
Despite India’s previous warnings against such territorial assertions, Nepal’s Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ has pushed forward, signalling potential strain in bilateral relations.
Nepal’s 100 rupee note shows Indian territories
Giving information, Nepal Government’s spokesperson and Nepal’s Information and Communications Minister Rekha Sharma said, “During the meetings held on April 25 and May 2, the Cabinet approved the redesign of the Rs 100 bank note and the map printed in the background of the bank note.” Change has been approved. It has been decided to print a new map of Nepal in the notes in which Lipulek, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani will be shown.”
Nepal has often been fanning the issue by claiming Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani areas as its share. Kalapani, Lipulek and Limpiyadhura have also been election issues in Nepal and former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli had promised during the elections that if he comes to power, he will take them back to Nepal through talks with India.
India’s Strong Reaction
Earlier, on June 18, 2020, the then KP Oli government of Nepal had got the new map of the country passed by the Parliament at the behest of China. Nepal had included these three disputed areas in its political map and had also amended the Constitution. India had reacted sharply to Nepal’s decision and termed it a “unilateral act”.
India shares 1850 km border with Nepal
India shares a more than 1850 km long border with five states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand. India maintains its rights over Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura. These three areas are at the tri-junction of the borders of India, Nepal and China. China also keeps provoking Nepal regarding these disputed areas. At the instigation of China, Nepal has reached the verge of spoiling relations with India.
Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh shown in India’s map of China
The map of China often remains in controversy. In September 2023, China released a controversial map in which India’s Arunachal Pradesh and Aksai Chin were shown as its share. Besides, China has also claimed some parts of Vietnam, Malaysia and Philippines as its own. However, China considered Kalapani, Limpiyadhura and Lipulekh as part of India. After which Nepal’s PM Pushpa Kamal Dahal Prachanda had expressed protest against China.
India has not yet responded to Nepal’s decision on the Rs 100 note. But earlier also India had warned Nepal that such “artificial expansion” of territorial claims would not be acceptable.