Nepal Map Bill: “Claims are not based on historical facts”: MEA

As Nepal's lower house of Parliament passed a constitutional amendment to include the controversial map, India has termed the development as 'violative' of the current understanding between the two countries to hold talks on boundary issues.

In response to media queries on the issue, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said that the claims are not based on historical facts.

"We have noted that the House of Representatives of Nepal has passed a constitution amendment bill for changing the map of Nepal to include parts of Indian territory. We have already made our position clear on this matter," MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said.

"This artificial enlargement of claims is not based on historical fact or evidence and is not tenable. It is also violative of our current understanding to hold talks on outstanding boundary issues," he added.

Earlier in the day, Nepal's lower house of Parliament passed an amendment to include a new map incorporating Indian areas of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura in the Constitution of the country.

On June 10, Nepal's House of Representatives had endorsed a proposal seeking consideration of a constitution amendment bill for change of country's map after a lengthy discussion.

Nepal has made offers to India to hold "diplomatic talks to resolve the territorial issue" over the issue.