Jaishankar Responds To Nepal Currency Showing Map With Indian Territory: 'Not Going To Change Reality On Ground'

EAM Jaishankar said that India's position is very clear, and Nepal is not going to change the on-ground reality by doing something on its side.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar.

A day after Nepal announced the printing of a new Rs 100 currency note with a map that shows the controversial territories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani, External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar said that India's position is very clear, and amid the talks between the two countries on boundary matters, Nepal is not going to change the on-ground reality by doing something on their side. Notably, New Delhi has already termed the two territories “artificial enlargement” and “untenable”.

While interacting with professionals in Bhubaneswar on "Why Bharat Matters," the EAM said, "I saw that report. I have not looked at it in detail, but I think our position is very clear. With Nepal, we were having discussions about our boundary matters through an established platform. And then, in the middle of that, they unilaterally took some measures on their side. But by doing something on their side, they are not going to change the situation between us or the reality on the ground," as quoted by news agency ANI. 

While briefing mediapersons about the decision taken by the Nepal government, spokesperson Rekha Sharma said, “The meeting of the council of ministers chaired by Prime Minister Pushpakamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ took a decision to print the new map of Nepal, which includes the Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani in the Rs 100 denomination bank notes,” as quoted by news agency PTI. “The cabinet approved to re-design the banknote of Rs 100 and replace the old map printed in the background of the bank note during the cabinet meetings held on April 25 and May 2,” Sharma, who is also the Minister for Information and Communication, further stated.

In 2020, Kathmandu completed the process of updating the political map of Nepal by incorporating three strategically important areas: Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura, by amending its Constitution. This move by Nepal drew a sharp reaction from India. New Delhi called it a "unilateral act" and termed it ”the “artificial enlargement” of the territorial claims by Nepal. India maintains Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura belong to it.

Nepal shares a border of over 1,850 km with five Indian states: Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand.