KATHMANDU, May 8: Amid renewed tensions over the Lipulekh issue, India has said it is willing to engage in dialogue with Nepal to resolve the longstanding border dispute between the two neighbors.
Speaking at a press briefing organized by India’s Ministry of External Affairs on Thursday, ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said New Delhi remained open to discussions on all unresolved matters with Nepal.
Talk at the top level
Jaiswal, however, maintained that Nepal’s unilateral claims over areas including Lipulekh were unacceptable. Referring to the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route, he said the yatra has been in operation since 1954.
“We are ready to discuss all outstanding issues between India and Nepal. If there is a border dispute, it can also be resolved through dialogue,” he said. “However, making unilateral claims over any territory is not an appropriate way.”
The remarks come after Nepal objected to India and China’s preparations to resume the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage through Lipulekh—a Nepali territory currently under Indian control—from June to August. In response, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement on Sunday, saying diplomatic notes had been sent to both India and China.
Reiterating its longstanding position, Nepal said Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani—areas east of the Mahakali River—are integral parts of Nepal under the 1816 Sugauli Treaty.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs had earlier responded by reiterating its claim over Lipulekh. Addressing journalists on Thursday, Jaiswal said India was prepared for dialogue and discussions if Nepal wished to pursue talks on the border issue.
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