India Reaffirms Nepal-India Border Disputes Will Be Resolved Bilaterally, Rejects Third-Party Involvement

Kathmandu-India’s Ministry of External Affairs has reiterated that border disputes between Nepal and India will be resolved through established bilateral mechanisms, emphasizing that any third-party involvement is unacceptable.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that nearly 98 percent of the border demarcation work between the two countries has already been completed. According to Jaiswal, a few issues remain unresolved in areas where the Gandak River has changed its course, affecting border delineation.He further noted that some incidents of encroachment and occupation across the border, including in the Dasgaja (no-man’s land) areas, have been reported even in regions where demarcation has already been completed. Joint mapping efforts are currently underway to address these concerns.Jaiswal stressed that border matters between Nepal and India are strictly bilateral issues and do not require the involvement of any third country.

His remarks came after Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah informed the House of Representatives on Sunday that diplomatic initiatives were ongoing regarding Nepal-India border issues and that a diplomatic note had also been sent to the United Kingdom on the matter.The Indian spokesperson said that effective bilateral mechanisms are already in place to address all technical and diplomatic issues related to the border. He also highlighted the deep and longstanding ties between Nepal and India, noting strong people-to-people connections as well as close relations among political parties in both countries.According to Jaiswal, recent high-level visits and meetings between the two countries have further strengthened mutual engagement and bilateral relations.