Kathmandu, April 30 — Nepal Airlines has apologised after posting a network map on social media that misrepresented Indian territories. The carrier said the map contained “cartographic inaccuracies” and did not reflect the official position of Nepal or the airline. The airline removed the post and said it is conducting an internal review to ensure future materials meet accuracy standards.
In a message on X, Nepal Airlines said it regretted the error, removed the map, and was reviewing its procedures. The airline added that it values strong relationships with neighbouring countries and regretted any offence caused.
The incident recalls a previous dispute in May 2020, when then-President Bidhya Devi Bhandari unveiled an official map that included territories claimed by Nepal—Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh—which are disputed with India. More recently, India published a revised map showing Kalapani within its borders, prompting protests from Kathmandu.
India and Nepal share an open border of about 1,800 km. Nepal bases its claim on the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, asserting that territories east of the Kali (Mahakali) river—including Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh—belong to Nepal. The Lipulekh Pass claim also rests on the Sugauli treaty. Indian forces have been stationed in parts of the area since the 1962 India-China conflict.
Tensions increased after India inaugurated a road on May 8, 2020 connecting the Lipulekh pass in Uttarakhand with the route used by pilgrims to Kailash Mansarovar in China. Nepal protested the construction and discussed establishing a security post in the area. India’s Ministry of External Affairs maintained that the road through Pithoragarh district lies completely within Indian territory.
(This article is sourced from a syndicated feed and is published as received.)
