No third-party role in Nepal-India border issue, says Indian foreign ministry

India's Ministry of External Affairs has firmly stated that any third party has no role in resolving border disputes between India and Nepal. Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stressed that established bilateral mechanisms are the designated channels for addressing these outstanding issues.

Jaiswal's comments came in response to remarks made by Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah. Shah had told lawmakers that discussions regarding the Lipulekh border issue were also being held with China and the United Kingdom. He suggested that since the current issues trace back to the period when British India departed the region, the UK should be involved, assuring that dialogue and diplomatic engagement would lead to resolution.

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We have established bilateral mechanisms to resolve border issues. Whatever bilateral matters exist between India and Nepal, no third party has any role in them.

While acknowledging Prime Minister Shah's remarks and Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs' statements, Jaiswal noted that approximately 98 percent of the Nepal-India border has already been demarcated. He pointed out that remaining issues in certain stretches are primarily due to the shifting course of the Gandak (Narayani) River, as well as instances of encroachment in mapped areas and no-man's land. Joint efforts, including mapping and verification work, are ongoing to settle these matters.

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We have spoken not just with India and China, but also with the British government. Since the issues we face today go back to the period when British India left the region, we believe the UK should also be involved. I assure you that these matters will be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic engagement.