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India Nepal border dispute (Img Ai Generated)
New Delhi: Nepal has reportedly lost track of the original copy of the historic 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, the agreement that played a crucial role in defining the country’s borders with British India. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal informed Parliament that the government does not have confirmed information about whether the original treaty document is currently available in official records.
Addressing lawmakers, Khanal said that while some treaty-related documents are preserved in Nepal’s National Archives, authorities are uncertain whether these records represent the original government copies of the agreements.
“The Government of Nepal does not have clear information on whether we possess the original treaty documents or not,” Khanal stated, adding that archival records exist but their authenticity as original government documents has not been verified.
During his statement, Khanal clarified that Nepal does possess official documents related to the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship signed between India and Nepal.
The disclosure regarding the Sugauli Treaty comes at a sensitive time when discussions over the India-Nepal border have intensified following an agreement between India and China regarding the reopening of the Lipulekh trade route.
Nepal has historically claimed areas including Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani as part of its territory, while India maintains that these regions fall within its boundaries.
The border issue gained renewed attention after remarks by Balendra Shah, who said Nepal had raised concerns with India over alleged territorial encroachment, including the Lipulekh issue.
Shah stated that both countries could examine historical claims through experts, including historians, surveyors and regional specialists, and resolve differences through diplomatic channels. He also suggested that the United Kingdom could be involved due to its historical role in the region’s boundary formation during the colonial period.
India has maintained that bilateral issues with Nepal should be resolved directly between the two countries without involvement from any third party.
Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that there is “no role for any third party” in India-Nepal bilateral matters.
He added that nearly 98% of the India-Nepal border has already been demarcated. The remaining issues primarily relate to changes in the course of the Gandak River, alleged cross-border encroachments, and disputes involving occupation of no-man’s land areas.
The uncertainty surrounding the original Sugauli Treaty document has added a new dimension to the ongoing historical and diplomatic discussions over the India-Nepal boundary.
