Nepal Removes Disputed Map from Coin: Reset with India?
UPSC / SSC current affairs note
Why in news
Nepal has approved a new one-rupee coin that removes the disputed map featuring Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura, replacing it with the Lo Ghyakar Monastery. While Kathmandu cites technical reasons, the move has sparked speculation about a potential thaw in India-Nepal relations.
Background
India and Nepal have a long-standing border dispute over the regions of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura. In 2020, Nepal released a new political map including these areas, leading to tensions with India. The disputed map was previously featured on Nepal's currency.
Key facts
Nepal has approved a redesign of its one-rupee coin, removing the disputed map that included Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura.
The new coin features the Lo Ghyakar Monastery instead of the map.
The government cites technical reasons for the change, but it has raised questions about a possible reset in India-Nepal relations.
The disputed map was at the heart of a territorial dispute between India and Nepal.
The move does not alter Nepal's official territorial position, according to analysts.
Prelims pointers
- Disputed regions: Lipulekh, Kalapani, Limpiyadhura
- Lo Ghyakar Monastery
- India-Nepal border dispute
- Nepal's 2020 political map
Mains angles
- Discuss the India-Nepal border dispute and its impact on bilateral relations.
- Analyze the significance of Nepal's decision to remove the disputed map from its currency.
- Examine the role of symbolism in international diplomacy, using the Nepal coin redesign as a case study.