Govt committed to resolving Nepal

KATHMANDU, June 11: Foreign Minister Sishir Khanal on Thursday sought to clear the air over recent remarks made by Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Nepal-India border issues, reiterating that the government remains firmly committed to resolving all outstanding boundary disputes with India through diplomatic channels.

Addressing the National Assembly, Khanal said the Prime Minister's statement in the House of Representatives on May 31 had been made in the context of cross-border occupation and longstanding challenges arising from the open border between the two neighbouring countries.

Emphasising Nepal's established position on border matters, the foreign minister said the government would pursue solutions through dialogue and diplomacy, guided by historical treaties, maps and the spirit of Nepal-India's close and friendly relations.

According to Khanal, centuries of unrestricted movement across the open border have created situations of "cross holdings" in some areas near the no-man's land, complicating local boundary management.

He explained that Prime Minister Shah, while responding to lawmakers' concerns over border issues, had referred to the historical foundations of Nepal's boundary demarcation, particularly the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. The Prime Minister had also mentioned the United Kingdom in relation to historical records connected to the treaty.

Khanal stressed, however, that Nepal has not sought any third-party mediation in its border issues with India. "We have not sought third-party mediation on this issue," he told the House. He clarified that the Prime Minister's reference to the United Kingdom was made only in the context of the possible availability of historical documents and materials that could help shed light on border-related matters.

The foreign minister also briefed the upper house on his recent visit to India, describing the trip as productive and marked by substantive discussions on a broad range of bilateral issues.

According to Khanal, the two sides held detailed exchanges on trade and economic cooperation, connectivity, energy partnership, waste management, sports cooperation and the strengthening of people-to-people ties.

A key highlight of the visit was his meeting with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, during which both sides reaffirmed their commitment to further deepening Nepal-India relations.

Khanal said discussions also covered shared security concerns, border management and various aspects of the strategic partnership between the two countries.