Mahakali Treaty Again Draws Debate Over Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani Dispute

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Mahakali Treaty Again Draws Debate Over Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani Dispute

Mahakali Treaty Again Draws Debate Over Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani Dispute

Ganesh Khatiwada 2026-05-17 06:43:00

Kathmandu - The long-standing territorial dispute involving Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani has once again become the center of political and public debate in Nepal, with renewed discussions focusing on the historical and legal implications of the 1996 Mahakali Treaty between Nepal and India.
Some political analysts, intellectuals, and citizens argue that the roots of the current border dispute became more visible after the signing and parliamentary ratification of the Mahakali Treaty in 2054 BS (1996 AD). The treaty, which concerns the integrated development of the Mahakali River, was ratified by Nepal’s Parliament with a two-thirds majority as required by the Constitution.
Critics of the treaty claim that by recognizing the Mahakali River as a “boundary river,” the agreement indirectly intensified disagreements regarding the true origin of the Kali River, which is central to determining the boundary under the historic Treaty of Sugauli. According to Nepal’s official position, territories east of the Kali River belong to Nepal under the Sugauli Treaty.
The debate largely revolves around differing interpretations of the river’s origin. Nepal maintains that Limpiyadhura is the actual source of the Kali River, while India has historically interpreted the boundary differently. Various historical maps and scholarly discussions have contributed to the complexity of the issue over the decades.
Several commentators have recently argued that revisiting or reviewing the Mahakali Treaty could help Nepal strengthen its diplomatic and legal position regarding the disputed territories. However, no official move has yet been announced by the Government of Nepal to repeal the treaty.
The territorial dispute resurfaced strongly in recent years after India released a new political map in 2019 that included Kalapani within Indian territory, leading Nepal to issue diplomatic objections and later publish an updated official map incorporating Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani within Nepal’s borders.
Diplomatic experts continue to stress that the issue should be resolved peacefully through dialogue, historical evidence, and mutual understanding between Nepal and India while respecting international treaties and bilateral relations.
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Published Date 2026-05-17 06:43:00