What is the issue of Lipulekh? Elaborate.

Lipulekh Issue:

The Lipulekh issue pertains to a territorial dispute involving India, Nepal, and China, with the focus on the Lipulekh Pass, a strategically significant mountain pass in the Himalayas. The dispute gained prominence due to differing interpretations of historical agreements, cartographic discrepancies, and geopolitical considerations.

Background:

1. Treaties and Agreements:
   The roots of the dispute trace back to historical treaties and agreements between the British India and the Kingdom of Nepal. The Sugauli Treaty of 1815 demarcated the western boundary of Nepal with the British East India Company, but interpretations of the treaty's provisions led to differing perceptions of the alignment.

2. Geopolitical Significance:
   The Lipulekh Pass is strategically vital due to its proximity to the tri-junction of India, Nepal, and China. It serves as a key route for pilgrims traveling to Kailash Mansarovar in Tibet. The region also holds geopolitical importance in the context of India-China relations.

Controversies and Disputes:

1. Cartographic Differences:
   Discrepancies in maps published by India and Nepal led to conflicting claims. India's publication of its new political map after the abrogation of Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir in 2019 triggered objections from Nepal, as it depicted the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh region within Indian borders.

2. Disputed Territorial Claims:
   Nepal claims that the river originating from the Lipulekh Pass should be considered as the main Kali River, as per the Sugauli Treaty, placing the disputed territory on its side. India maintains that the Kali River lies further west, supporting its claim on the Lipulekh region.

3. Security Concerns:
   The Lipulekh issue gained attention against the backdrop of geopolitical tensions between India and China. Nepal's objections to India's infrastructure development activities in the region, including the inauguration of a new road to the Lipulekh Pass, further intensified the dispute.

Diplomatic Efforts:

1. Dialogue and Bilateral Talks:
   Both India and Nepal have engaged in diplomatic dialogue to address the issue. Bilateral mechanisms, including the foreign secretary-level talks, have been initiated to find an amicable solution.

2. Tripartite Talks:
   Given the trilateral nature of the dispute involving India, Nepal, and China, there have been calls for trilateral talks to address the Lipulekh issue comprehensively.

Current Status:

The Lipulekh issue remains a point of contention between India and Nepal, with ongoing diplomatic efforts to find a resolution. The situation is complex due to historical interpretations, cartographic discrepancies, and regional geopolitical dynamics. The dispute highlights the challenges in balancing historical claims, national interests, and regional stability.

In conclusion, the Lipulekh issue underscores the complexities surrounding territorial disputes in the Himalayan region. Resolving such disputes requires diplomatic finesse, historical understanding, and a commitment to regional cooperation for the long-term benefit of all parties involved.