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Nepal Airlines Apologizes for India Map Error in Social Media Post

Nepal Airlines apologized for a map that inaccurately depicted Indian territories. The airline removed the post and launched an internal review. The incident recalls a 2020 map dispute involving Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura. India and Nepal have long-standing territorial disagreements over these areas.

Key Points: Nepal Airlines Apologizes for India Map Error

  • Nepal Airlines apologizes for map error
  • Map showed distorted projection of India's territories
  • Airline removed post, cites cartographic inaccuracies
  • Incident echoes 2020 map dispute over Kalapani, Lipulekh
2 min read

Nepal Airlines issues apology for 'cartographic inaccuracies' in distorted projection of India's map

Nepal Airlines issues apology for cartographic inaccuracies in map showing Indian territories, says post removed, internal review underway.

"We sincerely apologize for error in the network map recently shared on our social media channels. - Nepal Airlines"

Kathmandu, April 30

Nepal Airlines on Thursday issued an apology for wrongly displaying Indian territories in its map, saying that the map did not reflect the official stance of Nepal or the airline.

The airline said they removed the post as it contained 'cartographic inaccuracies' which did not reflect the official stance of Nepal or the airline.

In a post on X, it said, "We sincerely apologize for error in the network map recently shared on our social media channels. The map contained significant cartographic inaccuracies regarding international boundaries that do not reflect the official stance of Nepal or Nepal Airlines. We have immediately removed the post and are conducting an internal review to ensure our materials meet the highest standards of accuracy. We deeply value our strong relationships with our neighbours and friends in the region and regret any offense the post has caused."

A similar controversy had erupted on May 15, 2020 when the then country's President Bidhya Devi Bhandari said that Nepal will issue a new map that will incorporate all of "its territories", including Limpiyadhura, Kalapani, and Lipulekh. The territories are disputed between India and Nepal. Last year, New Delhi published a new map that showed Kalapani within its borders, a move protested by Kathmandu.

India and Nepal share a 1,800km (1,118-mile) open border. Nepal said it has "consistently maintained" that as per the Sugauli Treaty (1816), "all the territories east of Kali (Mahakali) river, including Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipu Lekh, belong to Nepal."

The Lipulekh Pass is claimed by Nepal based on the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli with the British colonial rulers to define its western border with India.

Kathmandu also claims the highly strategic areas of Limpiyadhura and Kalapani, although Indian troops have been deployed there since New Delhi fought a war with China in 1962.

After a new road was inaugurated on May 8, 2020, by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh connecting the Lipulekh pass in Uttarakhand with Kailash Mansarovar route in China, Nepal has protested against it and is also considering putting up a security post in the area.

Following a strong objection from Nepal, India's Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) had said the road going through Uttarakhand's Pithoragarh district "lies completely within the territory of India".

- ANI

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Reader Comments

J
James A
I'm an American who travels to India frequently, and I've noticed how sensitive these border issues are. The Sugauli Treaty of 1816 seems to be at the heart of this dispute. While I understand Nepal's historical claims, the current ground reality shows Indian administration in those areas for decades. Dialog is the only way forward.
A
Ananya R
Nepal and India share such deep cultural ties - we speak similar languages, eat similar food, and families are connected across borders. These political disputes over Kalapani and Lipulekh hurt our people-to-people relations more than anything. Hope both governments sort this out amicably. 🙏
R
Ravi K
While the apology is welcome, I must point out that this is not the first time Nepal has shown such maps. It seems like some elements in Nepal keep trying to push this narrative. India has been a good friend and neighbor - giving aid, helping during earthquakes, and supporting Nepal's development. We expect reciprocal respect for our territorial integrity.
S
Sarah B
As a Canadian following South Asian geopolitics, I find the Lipulekh Pass situation fascinating. The 1816 treaty language about the Kali river boundary was ambiguous, and both nations interpret it differently. China's presence in the region complicates matters further - both India and Nepal need to work together against common security challenges.
K
Kavya N
I remember the 2020 controversy when Nepal released its new political map claiming Kalapani. It created such unnecessary tension between our countries. The 1,800km open border is a symbol of our unique relationship - let's not ruin it over maps. Both sides should sit down and resolve this through diplomatic channels. Bharat Mata ki Jai! 🇮

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