Territorial disputes of India and Nepal

Nepal claims that the river to the west of Kalapani as the main Kali River, hence it belongs to Nepal.[2][3][4] The river borders the Nepalese district of Darchula in the Sudurpashchim Pradesh province and the Indian district of Pithoragarh in Uttarakhand state. The Treaty of Sugauli signed by Nepal and British India on 3 March 1816[5] locates the Kali River as Nepal's western boundary with India. (Wikisource:Treaty of Sugauli)

Subsequent maps drawn by British surveyors show the source of the boundary river at different places. This discrepancy in locating the source of the river led to boundary disputes between India and Nepal, with each country producing maps supporting their own claims. The Kali River runs through an area that includes a disputed area of about 400 km² around the source of the river, although the exact size of the disputed area varies from source to source. Kalapani has been controlled by India's Indo-Tibetan Border Police since the Sino-Indian War with China in 1962.[6]

In November 2019, there was a protest in Kathmandu opposing a new map of India showing Kalapani as part of Indian state of Uttarakhand.[7] On 20 May 2020, Nepal launched its own map showing Kalapani as parts of its own territory.[8] On 10 June, the Nepali parliament moved to approve a new map and revision of the national emblem which includes territory in India's Uttarakhand state.[9] On 18 June, the upper house of Nepal's parliament approved a new map for the country which included territories controlled by India. India opposed the move, saying that the decision to include Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani is not based on evidence or historical facts.[10] On 19 June, Nepal started deploying its troops near the Kalapani and other disputed areas. The troops had established camps and they were working on building a helipad in the area.[11] In the same month Nepali Army Chief, General Purna Chandra Thapa, after visiting Kalapani border area, stated that Nepali army will start building army barracks and border outposts near the Kalapani area.[12]

The Gandaki River has shifted course since the border was agreed upon, leaving Susta on the Indian side of the river.

Susta is another territory which is disputed between Nepal and India. It currently controlled by India and is a part of Bihar province. Residents of a village in Susta state that Susta belongs to Nepal and they are Nepali citizens.[13] The 1816 Treaty of Sugauli defined the Gandaki River as the international boundary between India and Nepal. The right bank of Gandaki river was under Nepal’s control while the left bank was under India's control. Susta village was initially on the right side when the treaty was signed and it was a part of Nepal. However, over the years, the Gandaki river changed its course and Susta moved to the left bank and is now currently under India's control.[13] Government of Nepal has repeatedly stated that Susta belongs to Nepal and Indian government should return the area.

India shares a border with Nepal from three sides. Many Nepalese media have reported cases of border encroachments on the part of Indian parties in multiple border regions.[14] Nepal claims that among 27 districts that share their border with Nepal, 72 places in 23 districts have been encroached.[15][16]

On 15 June 2020, Indian border police, Sashastra Seema Bal (SSB) reported that border pillars which served as demarcation, were missing along the India-Nepal border. SSB also reported that Nepali border police has established five new border outpost near the disputed area.[17]

• List of disputed territories of India
• Sino-Indian border dispute
• List of territorial disputes