India’s Firm Response on Lipulekh: ‘Decades-Old Route, Not a New Development’

Kathmandu. India has issued a clear and firm response after Nepal’s Foreign Ministry made statements regarding border issues in the context of the annual Kailash-Mansarovar Yatra.

Responding to media queries on Saturday, the Official Spokesperson of India’s Ministry of External Affairs stated, “India’s position in this regard has been consistent and clear. Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra since 1954 and the Yatra through this route has been going on for decades. This is not a new development.”

Reiterating India’s long-held stance on territorial claims, the Spokesperson said, “Such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Such unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable.”

The Spokesperson also indicated India’s willingness to engage with Nepal, stating that India remains open to constructive interaction on all issues in the bilateral relationship, including resolving agreed outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy.

The statement, issued from New Delhi on May 3, 2026, signals that the door for dialogue between the two countries on the boundary dispute remains open.