International Boundaries of Nepal

Distinguished Nepalese Geographer, Buddhi Narayan Shrestha’s International Boundaries of Nepal is a highly informative and updated account of the Nepal’s crucial boundary issues with its mighty neighbours, India and China. The book contains an account of Shrestha’s theoretical as well as practical experiences with international boundary principles along with a case study on the flaming issues that has sparked widespread debate and controversy in South Asia. The case study discusses issues like negotiation on the Chinese claim to Mount Everest, the conflict on border marker 57 between Nepal and China, the divergence on the height of Mount Everest, the dishonouring Masonry Boundary Pillar by India, Kalapani-Limpiyadhura border issue with India, the settling of Susta border dispute with India, the legitimacy of Lipulek border Pass and the Battle of Maps on the Border. Having worked as a Director General of the Survey Department of Nepal and officially served several significant Nepalese Boundary Committees with the Nepal’s neighbouring nations, Shrestha examines the historic dates and rare reports and alludes to crucial events in history that shaped the fate of Nepal and its boundaries with its neighbours along with other south Asian nations like Bangladesh and Pakistan. In the process, Shrestha evaluates several historic treaties and policy initiatives including Indo-Pacific Strategy of the United States and Belt & Road Initiative (BRI) of China and India’s ‘Neighbour First’ policy and attempts to come up with a clear vision and understanding of Nepal’s place as a sovereign land-locked nation. Highly illustrated with archival images and maps, the book is a must-read for all interested in fast changing face of the Himalayan nation.