Nepal's former law minister has broken his silence on the escalating cartographic dispute between India and Nepal, advocating strongly for diplomatic solutions over public confrontations. The controversy centers on Nepal's newly issued 100-rupee banknotes featuring an updated map that includes territories currently administered by India.
The Cartographic Controversy Explained
Former Law Minister and senior advocate Yubaraj Sangroula emphasized that diplomatic channels remain the most appropriate mechanism for resolving sensitive border issues between the neighboring nations. The legal expert, who served as Nepal's law minister, expressed his views during an exclusive interview, highlighting the importance of maintaining cordial relations while addressing territorial concerns.
The heart of the dispute involves Nepal's decision to incorporate Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura into their official map, which subsequently appeared on the newly circulated 100-rupee banknotes. These territories have been longstanding points of contention between the two South Asian neighbors, with both countries asserting historical claims over the strategically important border regions.
Historical Context and Bilateral Relations
The relationship between India and Nepal has experienced significant strain since 2019, when India published its own political map following the reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir. Nepal's parliament responded in 2020 by unanimously approving the new map that included the disputed territories, escalating tensions between the historically close neighbors.
Sangroula, drawing from his legal and political expertise, stressed that direct diplomatic engagement offers the most constructive path forward. "When such issues arise between neighboring countries, the best approach is to resolve them through established diplomatic channels rather than through public statements or media exchanges," the former minister stated.
The Way Forward Through Dialogue
The former law minister's comments come at a crucial juncture in India-Nepal relations, as both countries navigate the delicate balance between asserting territorial claims and preserving their broader bilateral relationship. Sangroula emphasized that historical evidence and mutual respect should guide the resolution process, rather than emotional reactions or political posturing.
Economic and cultural ties between India and Nepal run deep, with open borders and extensive people-to-people contacts characterizing the special relationship. The former minister highlighted that these strong connections make it even more essential to handle territorial disputes with sensitivity and through proper diplomatic protocols.
As both nations continue to navigate this complex issue, Sangroula's advocacy for diplomatic resolution reflects a growing consensus among experienced policymakers who understand the importance of maintaining regional stability while addressing legitimate territorial concerns through established channels of communication.
