Nepal has released a new map claiming parts of Indian territory as those belonging to it.

Taking a strong exception to Nepal for releasing a new official map claiming parts of Indian territory as those belonging to the Himalayan country, India on Wednesday termed “artificial enlargement of territorial claims” by the Himalayan country unacceptable.

“The Government of Nepal has released a revised official map of Nepal today that includes parts of Indian territory. This unilateral act is not based on historical facts and evidence. It is contrary to the bilateral understanding to resolve the outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue. Such artificial enlargement of territorial claims will not be accepted by India,” Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

Further he added: “Nepal is well aware of India’s consistent position on this matter and we urge the Government of Nepal to refrain from such unjustified cartographic assertion and respect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We hope that the Nepalese leadership will create a positive atmosphere for diplomatic dialogue to resolve the outstanding boundary issues.”

Recently, the Nepal cabinet gave go ahead to incorporating Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani, which are parts of Indian territory into the Himalayan country.

India and Nepal share a 1,800 km open border. The Lipulekh Pass is claimed by Nepal based on the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli that the country entered with the British colonial rulers to define its western border with India.

Kathmandu also claims the highly strategic areas of Limpiyadhura and Kalapani, although Indian troops have been deployed there since New Delhi fought a war with China in 1962.

After a new road was inaugurated on May 8 by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh connecting the Lipulekh pass in Uttarakhand with the Kailash Mansarovar route in China, Nepal protested against it.

Although New Delhi has made it clear that the road going through Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district “lies completely within the territory of India.”

It has also said that the road follows the pre-existing route used by the pilgrims of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. “Under the present project, the same road has been made pliable for the ease and convenience of pilgrims, locals, and traders,” the Ministry of External Affairs said.

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