Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has stated that Nepal is not seeking the United Kingdom’s mediation in its border dispute with India.
Minister Khanal, who is on a three-day visit to India, made the remarks at a press conference organized at the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi, rejecting suggestions of the UK’s involvement as a mediator.
Indian journalists questioned Khanal about statements made by Prime Minister Balen Shah in Nepal’s Parliament, where he had said that discussions were underway with the UK regarding the border dispute.
“You are aware that Nepal has been sending diplomatic notes concerning Nepali territory over the past few years. Agreements have been reached between India and China. We have conveyed our official position to both countries through diplomatic notes,” Khanal said. “We have clearly stated that the territory (Lipulekh and Kalapani) is ours. Historically, that land is ours. The prime minister had also spoken in line with this stance."”
Khanal also clarified Nepal’s engagement with the UK.
“Many of our border disputes are linked to a long historical legacy. In particular, the Nepal-India border was defined by the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816. The prime minister has also said that the issue will be resolved through table talks between the two sides. We want to resolve the dispute diplomatically. For that, we need historical evidence. We are trying to obtain such documents from libraries and museums in the United Kingdom. We are not seeking mediation of any kind,” he said.
Khanal said that the prime minister has also emphasized the need to resolve the border dispute between Nepal and India through diplomatic channels.
"The prime minister is clear that we must resolve the border dispute through diplomatic means and dialogue with each other," Khanal added. "This has always been Nepal’s position."
