11 May 2020, Kathmandu
Minister for Foreign Affairs Pradeep Kumar Gyawali said that the government has reiterated its stance that it wanted to resolve border disputes with India immediately through talks.
Nepal was ready to have dialogue with India at any levels, shared Minister Gyawali, reasserting that the disputes would be resolved through diplomatic channels. Saying that border disputes emerged in Lipulek and other territories sharing borders with India would be resolved soon.
Responding to queries put forth at a meeting of the International Relations Committee today, Minister Gyawali said it would be appropriate to hold separate talks with neighbouring China on the decision of India and China on using Lipulek Pass as a trade transit after settling border disputes with India including Lipulek.
Informing that Nepal expressed its view before the Indian government through formal and informal channels following the placement of Nepal’s territory in Indian political map and, he said Nepal has called for talks on the matter time and again.
The minister stressed the need for talks between Nepal and India although India’s statement to hold talks on the matter after addressing coronavirus pandemic was positive.
He viewed that it would be inappropriate to knock the doors of international court without Nepal’s efforts to resolve the matter through bilateral diplomatic channel in a context when Nepal as a good neighbour wants to hold dialogues with India on the issue.
Likewise, Minister for Land Management, Cooperative and Poverty Alleviation, Padma Aryal suggested the demarcation of territories of Nepal and India through bilateral consensus.
Saying that efforts were on to issue new map of Nepal as per the directive of the Committee, the minister said the committee’s suggestions would be a guide for the government.
