Government Emphasizes Diplomatic Dialogue to Resolve Border Disputes with Neighbors

President Ramchandra Paudel reaffirmed the government’s policy of resolving border disputes through diplomatic dialogue during his address to the Federal Parliament. On May 3, the government sent diplomatic notes to India and China concerning border issues in the Lipulekh area. Nepal’s policy framework clearly indicates a pursuit of multilateral cooperation and balanced diplomacy. Kathmandu, May 13 — Nepal has once again expressed its desire to resolve border disputes through negotiations. On Monday, while presenting the government’s policies and programs, President Paudel stated, “The resolution of border disputes will be sought through diplomatic dialogue.” The government had sent diplomatic notes to India and China on May 3 regarding the Lipulekh pass issue. Analysts consider this statement in the policy and program significant, especially since the diplomatic notes were sent to the two neighboring countries just a week ago.
In the last Chaitra month, during the 9th Indian Ocean Conference held in Mauritius, Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal discussed with his Indian counterpart S. Jaishankar. Both sides described the dialogue then as friendly. However, concerns have been raised over some recent chill in relations with Delhi last month. Following India and China’s announcement to facilitate pilgrimages via the Lipulekh pass through Nepalese territory, Nepal also sent diplomatic notes. Analysts speculate this development might indicate some tensions in bilateral relations. Within a week of Nepal’s letter, India’s Ministry of External Affairs responded twice, while Beijing has not made any public comments.
“This situation is not a weakness on Nepal’s part. Nepal has provided a legal response to violations of its rights by neighbors,” said former Ambassador Nilambar Acharya. “The dispute was initiated by them.” Nepal claims its territories, including Lipulekh and other eastern regions, based on historical treaties including the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. The 2020 government policy had pledged to release maps including Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura areas, and subsequently, a new “official map” was issued.
In 2019, Indian Survey of India maps portrayed Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura areas as part of India. Nepal had repeatedly requested negotiations through diplomatic notes, which India rejected. As a result, Nepal publicly released a new map aligned with the 2020/21 fiscal year policy. Analysts observe that the 2026/27 policy and programs emphasize dialogue and talks as the sole options for resolving border issues—continuing the previously established policy. Experts believe that the border dispute is not new and may take a long time to resolve. They also suggest it is inappropriate to view bilateral relations solely through the lens of border disputes. Former Foreign Minister Kamal Thapa stated, “Border disputes must be resolved through diplomatic initiatives. Continuous effort is necessary, but these issues should not adversely affect relations with neighbors.”
Regarding the recently postponed visit of Indian Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri to Nepal, experts recommend that both sides should actively facilitate such exchanges. The policy document also clearly emphasizes multidimensional relations. While respecting Nepal’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and national interests, the government reiterates a balanced diplomatic commitment grounded in the United Nations Charter, non-alignment, and the Five Principles of Peaceful Coexistence. While presenting the policy and program, President Paudel said, “Relations with neighbors and friendly countries will be based on mutual benefit, respect, and multilateral cooperation.”
The government plans to transform traditional diplomacy into economic diplomacy, aiming to make Nepal an international destination for information technology, innovation, education, and health sectors, and to promote foreign investment in tourism infrastructure, energy, and information technology. According to the policy, domestic aid, investment, and development cooperation will also align with Nepal’s sovereignty and long-term national interests. Key bilateral projects such as the Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project with India and transport agreements with China have not received sufficient attention. Former Foreign Minister Thapa emphasized that the government must actively implement the agreements mentioned in the policy and program and periodically remind neighbors about past treaties and agreements. He also cautioned against unnecessary pride in sovereign matters, noting, “Other countries’ ministers meet but do not speak much, yet our relations with China and India are of a high level.”
Experts have reiterated that India and Nepal should facilitate procedural issues such as the postponed visit of Foreign Secretary Vikram Misri. Former Ambassador Acharya stated, “Such visits should not be canceled; discussions and dialogue must continue.” Acharya highlighted that Nepal has clearly stated its position in relations with neighbors and friendly countries, and the government cannot be blamed for recent developments. He stressed that both sides share equal responsibility for dialogue. “The policy and program clearly open the door for dialogue, and there is no opposition to such visits,” Acharya concluded.