Maps abound, disputed boundaries and nationalist posturing in South Asia’s ‘ring of fire’
From Nepal and India’s territorial disagreements to China’s aggressive claims and a ‘chicken’s neck’ at stake, the region’s borders are restive.
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In this partial wrap about the region’s borders – call it South Asia’s ring of fire – let us begin with a cheeky backhand from Nepal’s court to India’s.
News from Nepal, amplified by several among India’s pro-establishment media in late-October, pegged a decision by Nepal Rastra Bank to print a redesigned series of 100 Nepali rupee notes at the facilities of a Chinese state-run company, the China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation. This decision by Nepal’s sovereign central bank, approved by the cabinet back in May, has set India’s teeth on edge. It is not only because of the China angle but also because the redesigned notes aim to incorporate a map with territories that both Nepal and India claim as their own.
These are the regions of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani far to Nepal’s northwest. India claims that these belong in its northern Uttarakhand state. Nepal shares a 1,850km border with India.
When the news initially emerged in May, India’s foreign ministry strenuously objected, spurred on by the need for optics during general elections to India’s parliament that highlighted, among other things, India’s muscular regional presence and policy. The response has been more muted this time.
Nepal’s decision to print currency with a revised map...
