What is the story about?
India on Tuesday firmly responded to remarks by Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah on bilateral boundary issues, reiterating that there is "no role for any third party" in matters between the two neighbours.
The reaction came after Shah sparked controversy by claiming that Nepal had encroached on Indian territory in several places and suggesting that boundary disputes should be addressed through dialogue.
Responding to media queries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had taken note of the Nepal Prime Minister's remarks as well as the subsequent statement issued by Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"We have seen the remarks of the Prime Minister of Nepal concerning the India-Nepal boundary as well as the subsequent statement issued by the Nepali MOFA on this matter," Jaiswal said.
He noted that nearly 98 per cent of the India-Nepal boundary has already been demarcated, with only a few segments remaining unresolved.
"While close to 98 per cent of the India-Nepal boundary has been demarcated, there are some unresolved segments. The shifting of the course of the Gandak River has resulted in this situation. In addition, there are cases of cross-border occupation and encroachment of no-man's land in demarcated segments of the boundary which are currently being mapped jointly," he said.
Jaiswal stressed that India and Nepal have established bilateral mechanisms and underlined that such issues must be resolved directly between the two countries.
"We have established bilateral mechanisms to deal with all aspects of boundary matters. It should be clear to all concerned that there is no role for any third parties in a bilateral matter between India and Nepal," he added.
Earlier on Sunday, Nepal PM Shah on Sunday stirred debate over the India-Nepal boundary issue, saying that both countries had encroached on each other's territory and calling for a fact-based resolution to the dispute.
Addressing Parliament for the first time since assuming office earlier this year, Shah said the long-standing disagreement over Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani continues to affect bilateral ties. However, he urged both sides to adopt a cooperative approach and involve historians, surveyors and other experts in resolving the matter.
"You will be surprised to know a fact that I have learnt recently, only after becoming Prime Minister. India has not only encroached Nepali territory, but Nepal has also encroached Indian territory in many places," Shah said.
He added that India and Nepal should jointly examine the facts and resolve the issue through dialogue and friendship.
Shah also informed lawmakers that Kathmandu has raised the matter with China and the United Kingdom, citing Britain's historical role in the region during the colonial era.
The reaction came after Shah sparked controversy by claiming that Nepal had encroached on Indian territory in several places and suggesting that boundary disputes should be addressed through dialogue.
Responding to media queries, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said India had taken note of the Nepal Prime Minister's remarks as well as the subsequent statement issued by Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
"We have seen the remarks of the Prime Minister of Nepal concerning the India-Nepal boundary as well as the subsequent statement issued by the Nepali MOFA on this matter," Jaiswal said.
He noted that nearly 98 per cent of the India-Nepal boundary has already been demarcated, with only a few segments remaining unresolved.
"While close to 98 per cent of the India-Nepal boundary has been demarcated, there are some unresolved segments. The shifting of the course of the Gandak River has resulted in this situation. In addition, there are cases of cross-border occupation and encroachment of no-man's land in demarcated segments of the boundary which are currently being mapped jointly," he said.
Jaiswal stressed that India and Nepal have established bilateral mechanisms and underlined that such issues must be resolved directly between the two countries.
"We have established bilateral mechanisms to deal with all aspects of boundary matters. It should be clear to all concerned that there is no role for any third parties in a bilateral matter between India and Nepal," he added.
Earlier on Sunday, Nepal PM Shah on Sunday stirred debate over the India-Nepal boundary issue, saying that both countries had encroached on each other's territory and calling for a fact-based resolution to the dispute.
Addressing Parliament for the first time since assuming office earlier this year, Shah said the long-standing disagreement over Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani continues to affect bilateral ties. However, he urged both sides to adopt a cooperative approach and involve historians, surveyors and other experts in resolving the matter.
"You will be surprised to know a fact that I have learnt recently, only after becoming Prime Minister. India has not only encroached Nepali territory, but Nepal has also encroached Indian territory in many places," Shah said.
He added that India and Nepal should jointly examine the facts and resolve the issue through dialogue and friendship.
Shah also informed lawmakers that Kathmandu has raised the matter with China and the United Kingdom, citing Britain's historical role in the region during the colonial era.
