Nepal Contracts Chinese Firm for New Currency Printing Amid Border Dispute

Nepal's central bank has awarded China Bank Note Printing and Minting Corporation the contract to print its currency, including the new NRs 1,000 notes featuring the national flower. A political map revision on Rs 100 notes, depicting disputed territories with India, could strain bilateral relations.

Nepal Rastra Bank has entrusted the task of printing its currency notes to China Bank Note Printing and Minting Corporation, including the latest NRs 1,000 bills featuring the seven-province symbolic rhododendrons.

Notably, a recently revised map imprinted on new Rs 100 notes showing disputed territories with India—Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura—could potentially exacerbate bilateral tensions.

This development follows a prior issuance of a Letter of Intent for the design and supply of over 430 million pieces of these denominations, amidst a history of controversy over such territorial claims.

(With inputs from agencies.)