No role for third parties in bilateral matter between India and Nepal: MEA

India has firmly stated that third parties have no role in resolving bilateral issues with Nepal, particularly concerning boundary matters. Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal asserted on Tuesday that India and Nepal possess established bilateral mechanisms to address all aspects of their boundary.

Jaiswal's comments came in response to remarks by Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah, who reportedly suggested involving the UK and China in border discussions. India's stance is that such bilateral issues are strictly for the two nations to resolve. While acknowledging that close to 98% of the India-Nepal boundary is demarcated, Jaiswal pointed out that some segments remain unresolved due to factors like the shifting of the Gandak River and cross-border occupations in demarcated areas.

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We have established bilateral mechanisms to deal with all aspects of boundary matters. It should be clear to all concerned that there is no role for any third parties in a bilateral matter between India and Nepal.

These unresolved segments, including encroachments on 'no man's land,' are currently being jointly mapped and verified by both countries. Nepal's Foreign Ministry had previously issued a clarification on Prime Minister Shah's remarks, stating they pertained to boundary pillars, land usage, and cross-border issues. The ministry affirmed Nepal's commitment to resolving boundary disputes through diplomatic dialogue, referencing historical treaties and maps. India maintains its position on issues like the Lipulekh Pass, a long-standing route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, emphasizing consistency and clarity on territorial claims.

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While close to 98% of the India-Nepali boundary has been demarcated, there are some unresolved segments. The shifting of the Gandak River has resulted in this. In addition, there are cases of cross-border occupation and encroachment of no man's land in demarcated segments of the boundary, which are currently being mapped jointly.