Nepal Airlines Apologizes for Cartographic Error Involving Jammu and Kashmir
Nepal Airlines Issues Apology Over Map Controversy
Representational Image
Kathmandu, April 30: On Thursday, Nepal's national airline, which is state-owned, expressed regret for depicting Jammu and Kashmir as part of Pakistan in a network map shared on social media the previous day, labeling it a mistake.
The airline clarified that the map included significant inaccuracies regarding international borders, which do not align with Nepal's official position or that of the airline itself.
In a statement on social media, the airline said, "We sincerely apologize for the error in the network map recently shared on our social media channels. We have immediately removed the post and are conducting an internal review to ensure our materials meet the highest standards of accuracy."
They further stated, "We deeply value our strong relationships with our neighbours and friends in the region and regret any offence the post has caused."
Archana Khadka, a spokesperson for Nepal Airlines Corporation (NAC), explained that the mistake occurred while selecting a Google map, which was then used in the network map.
"It was not intentional, and we removed it within 2–3 hours after it was posted when we noticed the error," she added.
The airline's image quickly gained traction on social media, prompting Indian users to call for a boycott of the airline, with some accusing it of "cartographic aggression."
Nepal Airlines provides flights to destinations including New Delhi, West Asia, Southeast Asia, and China.
The relationship between India and Nepal is characterized by a robust partnership established through the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, which includes open borders, significant economic ties, and close cultural connections.
India stands as one of Nepal's primary development partners. In the fiscal year 2024–25, India was the largest bilateral donor to Nepal, contributing US$7.8 million, as reported by Nepal's finance ministry. Numerous projects and programs are currently underway in Nepal with Indian economic and technical support, at various stages of completion.
A recent report from The Kathmandu Post indicated that India has suggested a visit by Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Nepal on May 11–12 as part of broader discussions ahead of the visit by newly-elected Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah to India.
According to diplomatic sources from the Foreign Ministry of Nepal and the Nepali Embassy in India, the Indian side has proposed these dates and is awaiting an official response from Kathmandu.
Nepali Prime Minister Shah has already received an invitation from Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to visit India, which he has accepted, as confirmed earlier by Nepal's Foreign Minister Sishir Khanal. However, the visit may take some time as the government will first establish its priorities.