India Offers Bilateral Talks on Sugauli Treaty Original Copy
Summary
India says the dispute over the missing original copy of the 1816 Sugauli Treaty can be discussed through existing bilateral mechanisms. The issue comes amid continued Nepal-India tensions over borders, the 2020 political map and trade through Lipulekh.
Key Points
- India’s foreign ministry says the Sugauli Treaty issue can be handled through existing bilateral mechanisms.
- Nepal’s parliament raised the question after Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said the original copy could not be found.
- The treaty remains central to Nepal’s border claims, including Limpiyadhura, and India continues to object to those claims.
- Indian officials also said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had invited Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah to visit India, while the Indian ambassador met Shah in Kathmandu.
