Tensions in the Indo-Pacific region are escalating as China lays claim to Arunachal Pradesh and Nepal features disputed Indian territories on its new banknotes. Experts are calling for diplomatic solutions to de-escalate the situation and prevent further strain on regional relationships.
China has recently reiterated its claim over Arunachal Pradesh, referring to it as "Zangnan" and a part of South Tibet. This claim has been consistently rejected by India, which asserts that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral and inalienable part of the country. The Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson, Mao Ning, stated that China has never recognized Arunachal Pradesh as illegally set up by India. This statement followed reports of an Indian citizen from Arunachal Pradesh being allegedly harassed at Shanghai Airport, with Chinese officials reportedly telling her that her Indian passport was invalid because Arunachal Pradesh is part of China. India has lodged a strong protest with China regarding the incident and asserted that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India.
Adding another layer of complexity to the situation, Nepal has released new 100-rupee currency notes featuring a revised map that includes the Indian territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura as part of Nepal. These territories have long been a point of contention between India and Nepal. India has termed this action a "unilateral act" and an "artificial enlargement" of territorial claims, asserting that it does not change the reality on the ground. India maintains that these territories are Indian.
The inclusion of the disputed territories on the new banknote has reignited the long-standing border dispute between India and Nepal. The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) issued the new notes, which bear the signature of former Governor Maha Prasad Adhikari and list the issuance year as 2081 BS (2024). An NRB spokesperson stated that the map had already appeared on older 100-rupee notes and has now been updated in line with the government's decision. The new note also features Mount Everest and a watermark of the rhododendron, Nepal's national flower.
The border dispute between India and Nepal spans over 1,850 km, touching the Indian states of Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, and Uttarakhand. The specific area of contention is the trijunction of India, Nepal, and China, particularly the origin of the Kali River. Nepal claims the river originates in Limpiyadhura, while India asserts that its source is in Kalapani, Uttarakhand.
Experts are urging both India and China, as well as India and Nepal, to engage in diplomatic dialogue to resolve these territorial disputes. They emphasize that maintaining regional stability and fostering positive bilateral relations are crucial for the long-term interests of all parties involved. Some view these recent actions as minor blips in the bilateral relationship, while others are concerned that they could undermine the progress made in recent years to improve relations. The use of established platforms for discussion and a commitment to peaceful resolution are seen as essential to de-escalate tensions and ensure stability in the region.
