Nepal has not sought third-party mediation to resolve its ongoing border dispute with India, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said.
The statement signals a commitment to bilateral diplomacy at a time when border tensions and trade connectivity remain critical to the stability of both nations.
Speaking in Kathmandu on June 7, 2024 [1], Khanal said that Nepal is focusing on existing diplomatic mechanisms to address the boundary issues. He said that the government is prioritizing bilateral dialogue to enhance coordination, security, and trade facilitation between the two neighbors [1], [2].
"We have not sought the mediation of any third country for the resolution of our border dispute with India," Khanal said [1].
The minister said that a cooperative spirit is essential for overcoming territorial disagreements. He said that no boundary is too complex if the parties involved sit with an open heart [3]. This approach is intended to clear the path for stronger ties in security and connectivity without the interference of outside powers.
Khanal said that the current diplomatic approach is not encumbered by past conflicts [2]. By moving beyond historical grievances, the foreign minister aims to push for more robust economic and strategic ties with Delhi.
The push for bilateralism comes as both countries seek to optimize cross-border trade and security protocols. Khanal said the activation of specific border mechanisms will be central to these efforts, ensuring that the resolution process remains strictly between the two sovereign states [1], [2].
“We have not sought the mediation of any third country for the resolution of our border dispute with India.”
By explicitly rejecting third-party mediation, Nepal is reaffirming its preference for bilateralism over international arbitration. This strategy aims to maintain a stable relationship with India—a dominant regional power—while attempting to resolve sensitive territorial claims without escalating the conflict to a global or multilateral stage.
