Map in India's new Parliament a cultural one and not political: Nepal PM Prachanda

Nepal's Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal 'Prachanda' on Wednesday said that he raised issue relating to 'Akhanda Bharat' map kept in India's new Parliament during his visit to New Delhi and Indian side clarified that it was a cultural map and t a political one.

Prachanda me remarks in Parliament when opposition lawmakers slammed him for t raising issue of 'Akhanda Bharat' map, which, y claimed, also consists of Nepal's territory.

"While talking about map during my India visit, Indian side said it was a cultural map, t a political one. Furr study should be carried out on issue," he said while responding to questions raised by lawmakers.

Prachanda said he mentioned map during his meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who said it was a cultural map t a political one.

India has downplayed issue of a mural in new Parliament building, describing it as an artwork that depicted spre of prehistoric Ashokan empire.

mural triggered a controversy in Nepal as it is being interpreted as a map of 'Akhand Bharat' comprising parts of several neighbouring countries.

Prachanda said discussions were also held regarding border issues such as Kalapani and Lipulekh, and Prime Minister Modi expressed commitment to resolve border issue between Nepal and India.

"An environment to operate low altitude flight has been created. Discussion was held regarding resolving border problems - Kalapani and Lipulekh. Prime Minister Modi in a joint press meet expressed commitment to resolve border problems between Nepal and India," said Prachanda.

Prachanda visited India from May 31 to June 3, his first official trip abro since assuming office in December 2022. His meeting with Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday saw two countries signing seven agreements and launching six projects including new railway services.

two leers also vowed to resolve vexed boundary dispute in spirit of friendship.

Prachanda said that he felt respected and proud over just concluded India visit, which is likely to open up avenues for Nepal's development and prosperity.

Responding to ar question, he said that he clearly urged India to create an environment for using different areas including Nepalgunj, Mahendranagar, and Biratnagar as international air routes. At present, Nepal is using only one air route, Simara air route located on sourn border.

In ar question, prime minister said that he did t formally discuss matters relating to exchanging land with India in any meeting, ding "only talks were held about different s of models." He was pointing to media report that Prime Minister Prachanda discussed with Indian leership issue of giving Kalapani and Lipulekh to India in exchange of providing land to landlocked Nepal to get alternative access to sea through Banglesh.

ties between India and Nepal came under severe strain after Kathmandu published a new political map in 2020 that showed three Indian territories -- Limpiyhura, Kalapani and Lipulekh -- as part of Nepal.

India reacted sharply, calling it a "unilateral act" and cautioned Kathmandu that such "artificial enlargement" of territorial claims will t be acceptable to it.

Nepal is important for India in context of its overall strategic interests in region, and leers of two countries have often ted -old "Roti Beti" relationship.

country shares a border of over 1850 km with five Indian states - Sikkim, West Bengal, Bihar, Uttar Presh and Uttarakhand.

Land-locked Nepal relies heavily on India for transportation of goods and services.

India-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship of 1950 forms bedrock of special relations between two countries.