India hits back at Nepal over territorial claims, PM KP Oli also shocks with 'Indian virus' remark

In response to media queries on the revised map of Nepal released today by Government of Nepal, the Official Spokesperson  of India's Ministry of External Affairs, Anurag Srivastava, said, "The Government of Nepal has released a revised official map of Nepal today that includes parts of Indian territory. This unilateral act is not based on historical facts and evidence."

"It is contrary to the bilateral understanding to resolve the outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue. Such artificial enlargement of territorial claims will not be accepted by India," he said.

Nepal has come out with a new political map showing Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura under its territory, triggering a border dispute with India.

Nepalese Foreign Ministry earlier expressed regret over inauguration of a faster route for pilgrims of the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, as it said that the road traverses Lipulekh, over which it lays claim.

Srivastava said: "Nepal is well aware of India’s consistent position on this matter and we urge the Government of Nepal to refrain from such unjustified cartographic assertion and respect India’s sovereignty and territorial integrity. We hope that the Nepalese leadership will create a positive atmosphere for diplomatic dialogue to resolve the outstanding boundary issues."

 Oli said in Parliament that Nepal would "bring back at any cost" the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh area.

Nepal Prime Minister KP Oli earlier shocked everyone when he said in their Parliament that "virus from India  looks more lethal than Chinese and Italian" referring to coronavirus spread.

"Those who are coming from India through illegal channels are spreading the virus in the country and some local representatives and party leaders are responsible for bringing in people from India without proper testing,"  Oli said on Tuesday as quoted in media.