KATHMANDU: India has rejected Nepal’s territorial claim over the Lipulekh area, which is linked to the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route.

Responding to media queries, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India’s Ministry of External Affairs, stated that Lipulekh Pass has served as a traditional route for the pilgrimage since 1954.

He emphasized that the route has been in continuous use for decades and does not represent any new development.

Jaiswal dismissed Nepal’s territorial claim as lacking historical evidence and said unilateral assertions would not be acceptable.

However, India reiterated its willingness to resolve all bilateral issues with Nepal through dialogue.

The ministry noted that it remains open to settling outstanding boundary disputes via diplomatic channels.

The response came shortly after the Government of Nepal sent diplomatic notes to both India and China, expressing its clear position on the planned Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage via Lipulekh.

India’s statement has once again brought the longstanding border dispute into focus.