Diplomatic Tension Over the Use of Lipulekh Pass for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra

May 3, 2026, 20:50
ChinaInternational

Introduction

The Government of Nepal has officially disagreed with the plan to carry out the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via the Lipulekh Pass, but the Indian government has rejected these claims.

Main Body

The current diplomatic disagreement started because Nepal claims that the regions of Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani are part of its own territory. Kathmandu bases this claim on the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli and has sent official notes to both India and China to object to the pilgrimage route. Furthermore, the Nepalese government emphasizes that it was not consulted before the route was decided and has asked India to stop all construction and business activities in the disputed area. On the other hand, the Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has described Nepal's claims as an 'artificial enlargement' that is not supported by history. The MEA asserts that the Lipulekh Pass has been used for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954; therefore, the current operations are simply a continuation of an old practice. This tension follows a similar event in 2020 when Nepal changed its official map to include these areas, which India dismissed as a violation of their agreements. Despite these different views, both countries have indicated that they are open to a diplomatic solution. While India does not accept the territorial claims, it remains willing to have a constructive dialogue to resolve boundary issues. Meanwhile, the pilgrimage, organized between India and China, is planned for June to August 2026, following the improvement of relations between New Delhi and Beijing after military tensions in eastern Ladakh were resolved.

Conclusion

The situation remains a deadlock due to conflicting views on territory, although both sides say they are committed to finding a diplomatic solution.

Learning

⚑ The 'Contrast' Shift: Moving from A2 to B2

At an A2 level, you probably use 'but' for everything. To reach B2, you need to show a 'sophisticated contrast.' This means using words that connect two opposing ideas more formally and logically.

πŸ” The Evidence from the Text

Look at how the article organizes the argument. Instead of just saying "India thinks X but Nepal thinks Y," it uses these specific tools:

  1. "On the other hand..." β†’\rightarrow Used to introduce a completely different perspective after a long explanation.
  2. "Despite..." β†’\rightarrow Used to show that something is happening even though there is a problem (e.g., Despite these different views, both countries...).
  3. "While..." β†’\rightarrow Used to balance two facts in one sentence (e.g., While India does not accept... it remains willing...).

πŸ› οΈ Practical Upgrade Map

A2 (Simple)B2 (Professional)Logic
ButHoweverUse this to start a new sentence.
ButDespite [Noun/Ing]Use this to show a surprise or contradiction.
And / ButMeanwhileUse this when two things happen at the same time in different places.

πŸ’‘ Pro-Tip for Fluency

Stop thinking of these as "vocabulary words" and start thinking of them as Signposts.

  • If you want to pivot the conversation: β†’\rightarrow "On the other hand..."
  • If you want to show you are flexible: β†’\rightarrow "While I disagree, I am open to..."

By swapping 'but' for these expressions, you instantly move from 'basic communication' to 'diplomatic English'.

Vocabulary Learning

disagreement (n.)
A situation where two or more parties do not agree.
Example:The disagreement between the two countries lasted for months.
territory (n.)
Land that a country or group controls.
Example:The disputed territory lies along the border.
claim (v.)
To state that something is true, often without proof.
Example:He claimed that the land belonged to his family.
consulted (v.)
To ask for advice or information before making a decision.
Example:They were consulted before the project began.
construction (n.)
The building of a structure or infrastructure.
Example:The construction of the bridge caused delays.
artificial (adj.)
Made by humans rather than occurring naturally.
Example:The plan was seen as an artificial enlargement of territory.
enlargement (n.)
The act of making something larger.
Example:The enlargement of the park attracted more visitors.
history (n.)
The record of past events and people.
Example:Historical records show the area was once part of the empire.
continuation (n.)
The act of carrying on something after a pause.
Example:The continuation of the policy was welcomed by many.
tension (n.)
A state of mental or emotional strain.
Example:Political tension rose after the announcement.
dismissed (v.)
To reject or ignore something as unimportant or false.
Example:The government dismissed the allegations as false.
committed (adj.)
Firmly dedicated to a cause or purpose.
Example:She is committed to improving the situation.