India Rejects Third-Party Role in Resolving Border Dispute With Nepal

Kathmandu — India’s Ministry of External Affairs has clarified that the border dispute between Nepal and India will be resolved through established bilateral mechanisms.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that nearly 98 percent of the boundary demarcation between the two countries has already been completed.

According to Jaiswal, some demarcation issues remain unresolved because the Gandak River has changed its course over time. He also noted that, even in areas where demarcation has been completed, there have been instances of cross-border encroachment and encroachment into the Dasgaja (the no-man’s-land along the border), and that joint mapping of such areas is currently underway.

Jaiswal emphasized that the Nepal–India border issue is entirely a bilateral matter and that there is no role for any third country. His remarks came after Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah told Parliament on Sunday that diplomatic efforts were underway regarding the border issue and that Nepal had also sent a diplomatic note to the United Kingdom on the matter.

Responding to questions about recent comments from Nepal’s prime minister and foreign ministry, Jaiswal said:

“The boundary issue between Nepal and India is a purely bilateral matter. There is no role for any third party in such matters, and this should be clear to all concerned.”

He added that effective bilateral mechanisms are already in place to address all technical and diplomatic issues related to the boundary.

Jaiswal also highlighted the deep and longstanding ties between Nepal and India, not only at the people-to-people level but also between political parties. He said that recent high-level visits from Nepal and meetings at various levels have further strengthened communication and relations between the two countries.