No records of communication with China regarding our new map: Saud

KATHMANDU: Minister for Foreign Affairs, NP Saud, Thursday said that he has found no evidence of correspondence sent to China after Nepal published a new map in 2020 including Kalipani, Lipulek, and Limpiyadhura, encroached upon by India, within its borders.

Speaking at the International Relations and Tourism Committee of the House of Representatives on Thursday, Saud mentioned that there was no record of correspondence sent to the diplomatic community regarding the new map at the foreign ministry.

In response to questions raised by lawmakers about why China ignored Nepal’s new map when it published its own new map recently, Saud explained, “I would like to inform honorable members that I found no record of such correspondence with the South Asia and North Eastern divisions of the foreign ministry.”

He also claimed that no such letters had reached the international community, stating, “I can only say that I have not received a record of such correspondence. But I would be most pleased if such letters were indeed sent.”

Former Minister for Foreign Affairs, Pradeep Gyawali, has been claiming that the government had informed the diplomatic community about the new map.

The cabinet issued a new map on May 20, 2020, which included Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, and territories disputed with India within its borders. It later amended Schedule 3 of the constitution to update the new map in the national emblem.

Saud said the diplomatic community should have been informed about all these developments but apparently were not.