Nepal Loses Original 1816 Sugauli Treaty Document Amid Border Dispute with India

Nepal has apparently lost the original 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, a document defining its borders with British India, according to Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal. This revelation comes amid tensions over the Nepal-India border, particularly the disputed territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura. Nepal claims these as its own, while India maintains they are part of its territory.

The issue resurfaced after Prime Minister Balendra Shah mentioned Nepal's concerns over alleged Indian encroachment, including in Lipulekh. Shah proposed examining the issue with historians, surveyors, and experts and suggested involving the UK due to its historical role in shaping the region's borders. However, India's MEA spokesperson, Randhir Jaiswal, rejected any third-party role, stating nearly 98% of the border has been demarcated, with remaining issues including the shifting Gandak River and cross-border encroachments.

India also rejected Nepal's claims as “neither justified nor based on historical facts.” The missing treaty documents have been a longstanding issue; in 2016, Nepal failed to locate the original for the Eminent Persons’ Group discussions. A parliamentary inquiry in July concluded the original copies of both the Sugauli and 1950 Peace and Friendship treaties could not be found.

Former Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali had noted the government had treaty copies but was unsure if they were originals, seeking forensic verification and historical documents from India and the UK.

Minister Khanal outlined plans to review Nepal's 655 international agreements, aiming to amend or renew outdated ones with mutual consent.

**What is the Sugauli Treaty?** The Sugauli Treaty, signed in 1815 and ratified in 1816, established Nepal's boundary with British India, requiring Nepal to cede significant territories and renounce claims west of the Kali River.