LIPULEKH PASS

CURRENT CONTEXT : India resumed border trade with China through Lipulekh Pass (Uttarakhand).

• Nepal strongly objected, claiming the area as its territory.
• India rejected Nepal’s claims, citing historical evidence and long-standing trade practices (since 1954).

ABOUT LIPULEKH PASS

• Location: A Himalayan mountain pass in Pithoragarh district, Uttarakhand, India.
• Altitude: Around 5,000 meters above sea level.
• Connectivity: Links India with Tibet (China) through the ancient trade and pilgrimage route.

SIGNIFICANCE

• Strategic Pass: Connects India and China.
• Religious Importance: Route for Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
• Infrastructure: India upgraded road to Lipulekh in 2020 for pilgrims and traders.
• Enhances strategic presence near Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND

• 1816 Sugauli Treaty: Set the Kali River as the India–Nepal boundary.
• Nepal’s Claim: Source of Kali River lies at Limpiyadhura, hence Kalapani, Lipulekh belong to Nepal.
• India’s Claim: River originates further downstream, so territory is part of Uttarakhand.
• Dispute has persisted since 1960s.