Introduction

In 2020, Nepal released a new map that included disputed territories with India. The move sparked tensions between the two countries, but Nepal stood firm on its decision. The new map includes areas like Limpiyadhura, Kalapani, and Lipulekh, which India has been occupying for years.

History

The dispute over these territories goes back to the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816, which defined the boundary between Nepal and British India. However, there have been disagreements over the interpretation of the treaty, leading to border disputes. In 2015, Nepal adopted a new constitution that included these disputed territories as part of its territory. India, however, did not recognize this and continued to occupy the areas.

The New Map

The new map released by Nepal in 2020 shows these territories as part of its territory. It also includes the disputed area of Susta in the south, which has been a bone of contention between Nepal and India for years. The map was approved by Nepal’s Parliament and signed into law by the President. It also received widespread support from the Nepalese people, who saw it as a matter of national pride.

India’s Reaction

India, however, did not take kindly to the new map. It rejected Nepal’s claims over the disputed territories and accused Nepal of trying to change the status quo unilaterally. The tensions between the two countries reached a new high, with India accusing Nepal of being under the influence of China. Nepal, however, denied these accusations and stood firm on its decision.

Impact

The new map has had a significant impact on the relationship between Nepal and India. It has strained the ties between the two countries, with India imposing an unofficial blockade on Nepal in 2015, which lasted for months. The new map has also led to a shift in Nepal’s foreign policy, with the country moving closer to China. Nepal has signed several agreements with China in recent years, including a railway project that will connect the two countries.

Conclusion

The new map of Nepal has been a matter of controversy and has strained the relationship between Nepal and India. However, Nepal has stood firm on its decision and has shown that it will not back down on matters of national pride. The new map has also led to a shift in Nepal’s foreign policy, with the country moving closer to China. It remains to be seen how this will impact the region, but for now, Nepal has made its stance clear on the disputed territories.