Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said the border dispute between India and Nepal must be resolved through diplomatic channels [1].
The call for dialogue comes as Nepal continues to press its territorial claim over the Lipulekh area, a point of contention that tests the bilateral relationship between the two neighbors. A peaceful resolution is critical to maintaining regional stability, and ensuring the flow of trade and people across the shared border.
Khanal made these statements during a visit to India in early June 2024 [1]. During official talks with Indian officials, he said that the current territorial disagreements need to be solved diplomatically [1]. This approach seeks to balance the assertion of national sovereignty with the necessity of maintaining peaceful bilateral relations [1].
Regarding the specific region of Lipulekh, Khanal said that Nepal maintains its claim over the area and calls for a resolution through diplomatic channels [3]. The Lipulekh pass is a strategic point for trade and pilgrimage, making its administrative status a sensitive issue for both governments.
A spokesperson for the Nepal Foreign Ministry said that the government has already made public its views regarding Lipulekh [2]. The ministry's stance remains consistent in its demand for a negotiated settlement based on historical, and geographic claims.
The diplomatic push occurs as both nations seek to strengthen ties in other sectors, including infrastructure and energy. However, the unresolved status of the border continues to be a primary friction point in their diplomatic engagement [1].
“Needs to be solved diplomatically.”
The reiteration of the Lipulekh claim by Nepal's Foreign Minister signifies that despite a desire for diplomatic harmony, Kathmandu is unwilling to compromise on its territorial integrity. By framing the dispute as a matter for diplomatic channels, Nepal is attempting to prevent the escalation of tensions while keeping the issue on the official agenda, ensuring that the border dispute remains a central pillar of its foreign policy toward India.
