Nepal admits original 1816 Sugauli Treaty missing amid border tensions with India
Nepal's foreign minister told parliament the original 1816 Sugauli Treaty cannot be confirmed in national archives, raising concerns as border disputes with India intensify.
During a parliamentary session, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal disclosed that Nepal does not possess clear evidence of holding the original 1816 Sugauli Treaty, a cornerstone of its historic border with British India, nor the original 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship. Archives contain related papers, but their authenticity remains unverified. This revelation coincides with heightened disputes over the Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani regions, which Nepal alleges India has encroached upon.
Prime Minister Balendra Shah has called for joint historical and technical examinations and has asked the United Kingdom to participate, citing its colonial role in drawing the borders. India’s foreign ministry, represented by spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal, dismissed any external involvement, insisting the matter is bilateral. Earlier inquiries in 2016 and 2019 also failed to locate the original documents, prompting parliamentary committees to search multiple repositories without success.
Why it matters
Missing original treaties complicate Nepal-India border talks, affecting regional stability and diplomatic relations.
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