India on Tuesday reaffirmed its stance on resolving boundary issues with Nepal strictly through bilateral mechanisms, following remarks by Nepal’s Prime Minister Balen Shah suggesting external involvement. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) emphasized that there is “no role for any third party” in matters concerning the two neighbours.
MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India had taken note of the Nepal Prime Minister’s comments and the subsequent statement from Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs. He clarified that nearly 98 percent of the India-Nepal boundary has already been demarcated, with only a few unresolved segments remaining. These issues, he said, are being addressed through established bilateral channels.
Jaiswal explained that the remaining disputes stem from natural changes such as the shifting course of the Gandak River, which has led to cross-border occupation and encroachment in certain demarcated areas. Both nations are currently working jointly to map and resolve these segments.
The controversy arose after Prime Minister Shah claimed that Nepal had encroached on Indian territory in several places and called for dialogue to address boundary disputes. India’s firm response underscored its commitment to handling such matters directly with Nepal, without external mediation.
“We have established bilateral mechanisms to deal with all aspects of boundary matters,” Jaiswal said. “It should be clear to all concerned that there is no role for any third parties in a bilateral matter between India and Nepal.”
The statement reinforces India’s long-standing diplomatic position that territorial and boundary issues with neighbouring countries must be resolved through mutual dialogue and cooperation, maintaining regional stability and respect for sovereignty.