Nepal’s National Assembly formally approves the new map that claims Indian territories
In another blow to India’s international relations, Nepal’s National Assembly on Thursday, June 18 unanimously sanctioned Constitution Amendment Bill to update the country’s new map. The new map incorporates parts of Indian territories. The upper house of Nepal’s parliament passed the new Map Amendment Bill (Coat of Arms) proposal where all its 57 members voted in favor of the amendment.
The Lower House of Nepal had already passed the amendment on Saturday, June 13. The approval by Nepal’s Upper House was just to complete the formalities.
India has strongly opposed the new amendment and has said that the new map is unacceptable.
“We have noted that the House of Representatives of Nepal has passed a constitution amendment bill for changing the map of Nepal to include parts of Indian territory. We have already made our position clear on this matter,” India’s Foreign Ministry spokesperson Anurag Srivastava had said.
The new map of Nepal claims ownership of strategically located areas of Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura. It is to be noted that India had started constructing a road through this region which would have shortened the distance to Kailash Mansarovar.
Clearly, Nepal is acting on the behest of China. The Dragon does not want India to strengthen its presence on the border areas. The recent incidences in the Galwan Valley testify China’s objectives. As China has invested hugely in Nepal and the current Communist Government in Nepal follows the command from Beijing, it is no surprise that Nepal has laid its claim on Indian regions.
