Nepal's new Prime Minister, K P Sharma Oli, said on Monday that both Nepal and India agreed to resolve border problems through diplomatic channels, reaffirming Kathmandu's commitment to its stand on the country's international borders. Replying to queries in the House of Representatives after securing the vote of confidence, Oli reiterated the claim over the land lying east of the Mahakali River, Limpiyadhura, Kalapani, and Lipulek, citing the Sugauli Treaty of 1816.
"The federal parliament and the Nepal government are firm about our international borders," he reiterated. Mr Oli reminded that Nepal has adopted a new map in its constitution's 2017 Second Amendment, stressing national consensus.
Oli, 72, who assumed office on July 15, spoke of bilateral discussions with India aimed at resolving the border dispute through bilateral diplomatic channels. He referred to the discussions during high-level visits by Nepal's and India's Prime Ministers and commitments made at the 7th Nepal-India foreign ministerial level joint commission meeting.
In 2020, the bilateral relations deteriorated as Nepal released a new political map that included Limpiyadhura, Kalapani, and Lipulekh within its territory. India refuted this and termed Nepal's claims as baseless and in violation of historical facts.
Even amidst tensions, Nepal needs India for trade and transport, the lifeline of its economy. Oli said construction and rehabilitation of border posts were in process and both sides were going to cooperate more in this regard.
"The Government of Nepal is committed to addressing border problems with India through negotiation and diplomacy on the basis of historical treaties, maps, and evidence," Oli said during the session. He updated the lawmakers about the establishment of a unit of the Armed Police Force at Chhangru of Darchula district, besides opening six new border outposts. This, according to him, cements Nepal's commitment toward securing the border area with both India and China.
Oli's statement very much reflects Nepal's diplomatic approach to finding solutions to the long-standing border issues with India and further adds that dialogue and cooperation hold a very important place in maintaining regional stability and bilateral relations.
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