MEA Says India’s Position Clear on Kailash Mansarovar Yatra Amid Nepal Objection

India has reiterated that its position on the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Lipulekh Pass remains “consistent and clear,” after Nepal objected to the route used for the pilgrimage. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) made its first official response following Kathmandu’s recent statement raising concerns over the reopening and use of the traditional route.

The diplomatic exchange comes amid renewed sensitivities surrounding border interpretations in the Kalapani–Lipulekh–Limpiyadhura region, an area that has long been a subject of differing territorial claims between India and Nepal. The latest objection from Nepal pertains specifically to the use of the Lipulekh Pass for the annual pilgrimage to Mount Kailash and Lake Mansarovar in Tibet, which is administered by China.

In its response, the MEA maintained that India’s approach to the issue has remained unchanged and is grounded in established understandings regarding the conduct of the yatra. Indian officials have previously stated that the Lipulekh route has historically been one of the recognized corridors for the pilgrimage, which holds significant religious importance for devotees of Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Bon traditions.

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The statement also comes against the backdrop of ongoing efforts by India to gradually resume and expand the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra after disruptions in recent years due to the COVID-19 pandemic and regional logistical constraints. The pilgrimage, which is facilitated through coordination with China, typically operates via multiple routes, including Lipulekh and Nathu La.

Nepal, however, has consistently maintained its claim over the disputed territory and has objected to infrastructure development and movement through the Lipulekh Pass, arguing that it falls within its sovereign boundaries. The issue has periodically led to diplomatic exchanges between the two neighbours, both of whom share deep cultural, economic, and people-to-people ties.Indian officials, while reiterating their position, have also emphasized the importance of dialogue and diplomatic engagement to address outstanding boundary-related concerns. The MEA’s statement signals New Delhi’s intent to avoid escalation while firmly upholding its established stance on the matter.

The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra holds immense spiritual significance and attracts thousands of pilgrims annually under government-facilitated arrangements. The route via Lipulekh remains one of the shorter and historically used pathways, though it continues to be diplomatically sensitive due to overlapping territorial claims.As both sides maintain their positions, the issue underscores the continuing complexity of India-Nepal border discussions, even as broader bilateral relations remain cooperative in trade, development, and cultural engagement.

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