India Dismisses Third-Party Involvement in Nepal Border Dispute

India's Stance on Nepal Border Issues

New Delhi, June 2: India has categorically rejected any notion of third-party involvement regarding the boundary dispute with Nepal, emphasizing that all unresolved issues are being managed through established bilateral channels.

This statement follows remarks made by Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah in Parliament, which reignited discussions about the longstanding border conflict between the two nations.

During a media briefing, External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal acknowledged both Shah's comments and a subsequent clarification from Nepal's Foreign Ministry.

Jaiswal highlighted that approximately 98% of the India-Nepal border has been clearly demarcated, with only a few sections still in dispute due to alterations in the Gandak River's course.

He also mentioned instances of cross-border encroachments and occupations in certain designated areas, which are currently being collaboratively mapped by both countries.

"We have set up bilateral mechanisms to address all boundary-related issues. It is essential for all parties to understand that there is no place for third-party involvement in a bilateral matter between India and Nepal," he stated.

These comments came shortly after Prime Minister Shah, during his first appearance in the ongoing parliamentary session, acknowledged that Nepal might have inadvertently encroached on Indian territory while discussing the border situation.

This statement led to a political stir in Nepal, prompting the Foreign Ministry to clarify that Shah's remarks pertained to instances of cross-border occupation and encroachments in no-man's land, not a claim over Indian territory.

This diplomatic exchange coincided with a visit from a delegation of Nepal's ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) to New Delhi as part of the BJP's 'Know BJP' initiative.

BJP National President Nitin Nabin met with the delegation, led by RSP chief Rabi Lamichhane, to discuss the BJP's organizational structure, ideological principles, and governance model.

During this meeting, Nabin emphasized the BJP's grassroots organizational network and public outreach strategies, which he described as vital components of the party's political strength.

He also reaffirmed the deep connections between India and Nepal, rooted in shared cultural heritage and strong interpersonal ties.

The RSP delegation expressed interest in learning about the BJP's membership process, candidate selection, and grassroots leadership development.

The two parties also discussed governance, youth engagement in politics, and the increasing impact of Generation Z on democratic discussions.

As part of their visit, the Nepalese delegation toured the BJP Media Centre and the party's Central Library, followed by a lunch meeting with senior BJP leaders, including Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta and Union Minister of State Harsh Malhotra.

This interaction is seen as part of the BJP's broader outreach to political entities and democratic institutions throughout South Asia via its 'Know BJP' initiative.

With inputs from agencies