Let’s form a coalition, not an opposition

Nepal wants to resolve its border dispute with India through the existing bilateral mechanism as “no problem is too big and complex” when both sides meet with open hearts, rational minds and mutual respect, Nepali Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal said on Sunday, effectively endorsing New Delhi’s rejection of any third-party involvement.

Khanal said Kathmandu refuses to see New Delhi through the “distorted, hyper-sensitive lens” of 21st century geopolitics and instead aims to see India with a “clear vision and single transparent agenda for Nepal’s economic transformation”.

The Nepali Foreign Minister was speaking to the media a day after holding wide-ranging talks with his Indian counterpart S Jaishankar, which focused on ways to further expand ties in various sectors, including trade, critical technology, connectivity and energy.

His three-day visit to New Delhi from Friday comes against the backdrop of the raging controversy between the two sides sparked by Nepali Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s recent remarks on the border dispute. Shah had also suggested involving China and Britain to resolve the issue.

Recognizing India’s transformation as a fast-growing global economic and technological superpower, the Nepalese Foreign Minister expressed Nepal’s desire to engage with this “dynamic neighbour” by contributing its ambitious energy to the partnership.

He said, “Our primary responsibility is to bridge the gap between bold promises made on paper and the physical reality implemented on the ground, moving away from abstract political statements to delivering measurable, life-changing results.”

Khanal said: “Let us build a partnership that is not hampered by the concerns of the past, but one that is inspired by high hopes and promising prospects for our shared future.” The Nepalese Foreign Minister, referring to the border issue, said “true interdependence” means that shared borders “act as highly efficient bridges, not as frustrating barriers”.

There is an old border dispute between Nepal and India regarding Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani. India has consistently maintained that these areas are part of Uttarakhand.

Late last month, Nepali Prime Minister Shah had sought the involvement of China and the United Kingdom to resolve the long-standing border dispute between India and Nepal. A few days later, New Delhi categorically rejected any role for third parties in resolving the dispute.

The Nepalese Foreign Minister said that Britain’s involvement was in the context of obtaining documents and historical details from British libraries and museums.

He said, “We want to resolve our disputes through diplomatic processes. We just want to see if we can access some documents held in libraries or museums in Britain. Our position was not that we were seeking arbitration.”

“Instead of indulging in ultra-nationalist bombast, we are having calm, data-driven and evidence-based discussions to resolve the challenges in good faith,” the Nepalese foreign minister said.

Khanal said the year 2026 provided the two countries with the “most favorable, highly aligned window” in decades to completely “elevate and transform” their relations.

“When we sit together with open hearts, rational minds and mutual respect, no problem is too big and no boundary is too complex,” he said.

Asked about Nepal’s objection to the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage through the Lipulekh region, Khanal said Kathmandu’s concern stemmed from the understanding between India and China to use the route for pilgrimage without consulting Nepal, which claims the region belongs to their country.

“Our concerns are about the renewal of agreements between India and China over the Kalapani and Lipulekh areas, where we have said for a very long time that the land is ours, and without Nepal’s consent, the two countries cannot enter into these agreements themselves,” he said.

“And we have made this clear through our communications, including diplomatic notes to both countries,” he said.

Also, the Nepalese Foreign Minister stressed that Nepal wants to resolve the issue with India through the existing bilateral mechanism.

Khanal said that the new government of Nepal has a strong desire to deepen relations with India.

He said, “When we look across the border, we see a rising India – an India that has fundamentally and beautifully redefined itself as a dynamic, fast-growing technology and economic superpower on the global stage.”

“We want to connect with this India of deep aspirations, cutting-edge technology and relentless implementation. In return, we bring the energy of an ambitious Nepal,” he said.