Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal Returns from India: What Are the ‘Border Mechanisms’ Doing?
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Following his visit to India, Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal reiterated that border disputes between Nepal and India will be resolved through existing bilateral mechanisms, as previously confirmed by officials from both countries.
Earlier, the foreign ministries of Nepal and India had affirmed that border issues would be addressed through these established frameworks.
“Our long-standing position remains to resolve border-related matters through diplomatic channels and the mechanisms currently in place,” Khanal told reporters at Tribhuvan International Airport on Sunday evening after returning from India.
“These mechanisms are currently operational, and discussions were held regarding activating additional mechanisms to pursue diplomatic solutions,” he added.
After returning from India along with Rashtriya Swatantra Party chairman Ravi Lamichhane, Khanal visited Delhi where he met with Indian External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar.
Khanal stated that the Indian foreign minister is also open to resolving the issues. “We will discuss this matter through the appropriate mechanisms. That was the spirit of our talks,” he said.
What mechanisms exist between Nepal and India?
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After Narendra Modi assumed office as Indian Prime Minister in 2014 and visited Nepal, both countries agreed to form a Joint Boundary Working Group (BWG) to address border issues.
This group, which includes directors general from Nepal’s Survey Department and India’s Survey of India, is tasked with the maintenance, construction, and clearing of the ten-royal-yard (dashgaja) border areas.
During Modi’s visit, both nations also agreed to establish another secretarial-level mechanism to provide technical support to the BWG.
The secretarial committee is responsible for discussing border disputes in areas such as Kalapani and Susta Village and for supporting the working group with technical expertise.
However, former Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali has noted that the secretarial-level mechanism has never convened a meeting so far.
“There appears to be a lack of interest from the Indian side. Another working group is active, but its mandate is limited,” Gyawali said.
“Further, unilateral construction of roads and embankments by India in currently unaddressed areas causes flooding issues in Nepal. Activating the secretarial-level mechanism could help resolve these problems.”
Before returning to Nepal, Minister Khanal indicated at a press conference held at the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi that these mechanisms would be activated, though he did not elaborate.
“During yesterday’s talks with the Foreign Minister, an agreement was reached to activate all these mechanisms. This will facilitate open dialogue for resolving issues,” Khanal said.
The seventh meeting of the Joint Boundary Working Group, which had not convened for five years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, took place last year in Delhi. Although there was agreement to hold the eighth meeting in Nepal, it has not yet occurred, said border expert Buddhi Narayan Shrestha.
“For seven years, it has not been able to produce substantial results,” Shrestha said.
Four Border Mechanisms in Operation
Buddhi Narayan Shrestha, a former Director General of Nepal’s Survey Department, explained that there are four levels of border mechanisms between Nepal and India. Besides the secretarial-level mechanism and the working group led by the directors general, there are two additional bodies.
“Under the Joint Working Group (BWG), a Survey Officers Committee (SOC) was also formed, led by deputy directors,” Shrestha said.
“Additionally, field survey teams led by Nepal’s Chief District Officers and India’s District Magistrates were established under this mechanism.”
“When we speak of border mechanisms, all four of these bodies need to be considered.”
In the 1980s (Nepali calendar 2080s), a Joint Technical Committee was formed that prepared detailed technical demarcations of the border and submitted these to government agencies.
While both nations formed an Expert Political Group (EPG) to prepare reports, the Nepali side claims that the Indian side has not accepted these reports. Before his visit to India, Khanal had revealed that the Nepali members of the EPG had handed over the key to these reports.
The Joint Working Group on border management is also active, led by deputy secretaries from the interior ministries of both countries, Shrestha added.
Can the Mechanisms Work Alone?
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Former Foreign Minister Pradeep Gyawali stated that despite activation of the mechanisms, lack of clear government support and directives hinder the ability of officials at the working level to make progress.
“Without clear communication and agreement at the political level, the mechanisms tend to merely reiterate their positions in meetings. They need guidance, assurances, and support. Currently, these are missing,” he said.
“No substantial work has started despite meetings taking place; discussions remain limited to revisiting old issues.”
Gyawali, also a leader of the opposition Communist Party of Nepal (UML), accused ruling party leaders of trivializing border issues. He emphasized that economic and development partnerships must progress alongside border dispute resolution.
“If the border is only viewed as a burden from the past, it risks neglect and disregard,” he added.
Former Foreign Secretary Madan Kumar Bhattarai urged the government to remain open to advancing other issues alongside border matters.
“It would be good to solve the border issue, but other matters cannot be stalled because of it. All issues should move forward together,” he stated.
Questions Surrounding Third-Party Mediation
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Indian journalists questioned Foreign Minister Khanal about the involvement of China and the UK in resolving border disputes, referring to statements made by Prime Minister Shah in Parliament.
He responded, “Regarding that territory, Nepal has been sending diplomatic notes for years because that agreement is between India and China. We have officially sent our position notes to both countries.”
He explained that the Prime Minister brought up the aspect of China.
“Regarding UK border questions, many areas involve old historical contexts. Nepal’s current borders were established by the Treaty of Sugauli in 1816. The Prime Minister stated that border disputes will be resolved through bilateral diplomatic dialogue,” he added.
“We need historical evidence and may need to retrieve some documents from UK libraries or archives. This is just a matter of discussion, not mediation. The Prime Minister’s words do not imply mediation.”
He added that talks with the UK about official documents Nepal currently lacks, as well as additional supportive documents, are possible.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs has stated that third-party mediation is not necessary for resolving border disputes.
MEA spokesperson Randeep Jayaswal had said border-related matters between Nepal and India are being addressed through bilateral mechanisms.
Khanal was also asked about Prime Minister Balendra’s visit to India.
“The Prime Minister prefers to travel abroad only when necessary. The government’s term isn’t complete yet—it’s been less than 100 days,” he replied.
“With the economy improving toward year-end, the Prime Minister is focused on delivering results mandated by the people. Official trips will commence at an appropriate time.”
Upon returning to Kathmandu and asked about potential upcoming visits from India, he stated, “High-level visits can be expected within the coming months.”
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