Kathmandu: A small design change on Nepal’s newly issued 1-rupee coin has drawn wide attention, with observers viewing it as a diplomatic effort to improve ties with India.
In recent years, Nepal’s earlier governments had taken a confrontational line on border issues, staking claims over areas such as Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura. In 2020, Nepal released a national map that included these regions and later featured the same map on its currency.
The report says Nepal has since seen political changes following student-led protests. In the March election, the National Independent Party led by rapper-turned-politician Balendra Shah won a major victory, and after he became prime minister, the government has adopted a more India-friendly stance.
Under the current administration, the disputed map has been removed specifically from the 1-rupee coin. In its place, Nepal has added an image of the historic Lo Ghyakar monastery in Mustang district.
At the same time, the 2-rupee coin reportedly still carries the map. The selective change is being interpreted as a calibrated step—aimed at managing nationalist sentiment at home while sending a positive signal to India.
