Archive · 22 Jul 2026
Nepal Removes Disputed Map from Coin
Nepal has decided to remove a map that shows disputed territories from its new one-rupee coin.
This map included areas that both Nepal and India claim as their own, called Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani.
Instead of the map, the new coin will show a famous monastery.
Nepal says this change is just about making the coin easier to produce, but some people think it might be a way for Nepal to improve its relationship with India.
India and Nepal have been arguing about these territories for a long time, and this change might help reduce some of the tension.
The two countries are also working together on trade and electricity projects, which are important for both of them.
Nepal has removed a disputed map from its new one-rupee coin, replacing it with an image of the Lo Ghyakar Monastery.
The map included territories claimed by both Nepal and India, namely Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani.
The redesign was approved by Nepal's Council of Ministers and is part of a broader effort to modernize the country's coins.
The new coins will be made of steel and will be lighter than the previous versions.
The decision has sparked debate within Nepal, with some critics arguing it undermines the country's territorial claims.
- Who
- Nepal and India
- What
- Nepal has removed a disputed map from its new coin design.
- When
- The decision was approved last week by Nepal's Council of Ministers.
- Where
- The dispute centers on the India-Nepal-China tri-junction in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district.
- Why
- The redesign was driven by technical and manufacturing considerations, but it also has diplomatic implications.
Nepal's Nationalist Perspective
India's Territorial Perspective
Territorial Claims
Nepal's Nationalist Perspective
Nepal argues that Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani are part of its territory based on the 1816 Sugauli Treaty.
India's Territorial Perspective
India disputes this interpretation, maintaining that these areas are part of Indian territory.
Symbolic Representation
Nepal's Nationalist Perspective
Nepal views the removal of the map as a technical redesign rather than a concession on territorial claims.
India's Territorial Perspective
India sees the revised map as having no legal validity and does not alter its territorial stance.
- Disputed Territories
- Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, Kalapani
- Nepal's New Coin Design
- Features Lo Ghyakar Monastery instead of the disputed map
- Coin Materials
- Steel instead of mixed metals
- Coin Weight Reduction
- One-rupee coin: 3.2g (from 4g), Two-rupee coin: 3.8g (from 5g)
- India-Nepal Trade
- US$9.38 billion in 2025-26
- Electricity Export Capacity
- Nepal's permitted electricity exports to India increased from 1,100 MW to 1,650 MW
