India has rejected Nepal's territorial claims over the Lipulekh Pass and dismissed suggestions of third-party mediation in the bilateral dispute.

The standoff over the border region threatens diplomatic stability between the two neighbors and complicates access to religious sites. The dispute centers on the Lipulekh Pass, a strategic point used for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra [1].

Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for India's Ministry of External Affairs, addressed the issue during a weekly media briefing in New Delhi. Jaiswal said that Nepal's claim is a unilateral and artificial enlargement of territory that is not justified [2].

The tension has escalated amid discussions regarding the planned 2026 Kailash Mansarovar Yatra [1]. India maintains that the route in question is part of its sovereign territory and that Nepal's attempt to expand its borders is unfounded [2].

India also rejected the possibility of external intervention, specifically referencing potential mediation by the United Kingdom. The Indian government said that any third-party involvement would infringe upon its sovereign right to resolve issues directly with Nepal.

"It should be clear to all concerned that there is no role for any third party in bilateral matters between India and Nepal," Jaiswal said [1].

New Delhi continues to advocate for a bilateral resolution based on existing treaties, and historical evidence. The ministry said that the current claims from the Prime Minister's office in Nepal do not align with established border agreements [2].

“"The claim of unilateral and artificial enlargement of territory is not justified."”

This rejection signals India's firm stance on maintaining bilateral control over its borders without international interference. By dismissing UK mediation and labeling Nepal's claims as 'artificial,' India is asserting its regional dominance and prioritizing direct diplomacy to avoid setting a precedent where external powers influence South Asian border disputes.