No Third-Party Role In Nepal Border Dispute, Says India

India’s Ministry of External Affairs has stated that the Nepal–India border dispute will be addressed through the existing bilateral mechanism.

Speaking at a regular press briefing, Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that nearly 98 percent of the border demarcation between the two countries has been completed. He noted that some demarcation issues remain unresolved due to changes in the course of the Gandak River. In addition, he said that incidents of encroachment and occupation of no-man’s land (Dashgaja) have been reported in certain demarcated areas, prompting the two sides to carry out joint mapping exercises.

Jaiswal emphasized that the Nepal–India border issue is strictly a bilateral matter and that no third country has any role in the process.

His remarks came in response to recent statements by Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs regarding the border issue. Addressing the House of Representatives on Sunday, Prime Minister Shah said that diplomatic efforts were underway on the matter and that a diplomatic note had also been sent to the United Kingdom.

“The border 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,” Jaiswal said.

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

Highlighting the broader relationship between the two countries, Jaiswal said Nepal and India share deep and longstanding ties at both the people-to-people and political levels. He noted that recent high-level visits from Nepal and engagements at various levels have further strengthened mutual contacts and bilateral relations.