External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar Criticizes Nepal’s Unilateral Currency Move
Nepal’s recent move to introduce a new 100 currency note featuring disputed territories with India has drawn criticism from External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Jaishankar described the action as ‘unilateral’ and ‘untenable,’ emphasizing that it would not alter the ground situation between the two countries.
Nepal’s Controversial Currency Note
On May 3, Nepal announced plans to print a new 100 currency note displaying disputed territories such as Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani. India has previously criticized this as an ‘artificial enlargement’ of Nepal’s territory.
Strained Diplomatic Ties Over Border Dispute
Nepal’s currency note decision follows its constitutional amendment in June 2020, which updated its political map to include the disputed areas. India strongly opposed this action, deeming it unilateral and rejecting Nepal’s territorial claims as untenable.
Nepal and India share a long-standing border dispute, with Nepal claiming ownership over Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura. India, on the other hand, maintains its control over these areas.
In 2020, relations between the two countries became strained when Nepal objected to India’s construction of a road linking Kailash Mansarovar via Lipulekh. Nepal sent India a diplomatic note expressing its disapproval, while the Indian Ministry of External Affairs responded that the road lies within India’s territory.