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Nepal FM Shisir Khanal Calls for Dialogue with India Amid Border Dispute, Says ‘No Boundary Too Complex to Resolve’
In a significant diplomatic message aimed at easing tensions between India and Nepal, Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said that even the most complex boundary disputes can be resolved through dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding.
In a significant diplomatic message aimed at easing tensions between India and Nepal, Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal has said that even the most complex boundary disputes can be resolved through dialogue, mutual respect, and understanding.
Speaking at a press conference at the Nepal Embassy in New Delhi on Sunday, Khanal stressed that Nepal wants to move beyond old geopolitical disagreements and focus on a future driven by economic growth, connectivity, and regional cooperation.
His remarks come at a sensitive time, following fresh political debate in Nepal over the long-standing border dispute involving Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura. The issue recently resurfaced after controversial comments by Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah triggered political reactions and renewed public discussions in Kathmandu.
‘No Boundary Too Complex to Resolve’
Addressing the media, Khanal emphasized that diplomacy and constructive engagement remain the best path forward for both neighboring nations.
“No problem is too large and no boundary too complex when we sit down with an open heart, a rational mind, and mutual respect,” Khanal said.
The Nepalese minister also made it clear that his government prefers evidence-based discussions and practical solutions instead of emotional or politically charged rhetoric.
According to Khanal, both countries share deep historical, cultural, and economic ties that should serve as the foundation for resolving outstanding issues.
Nepal Wants Development-Focused Relations with India
Khanal highlighted that Nepal’s new political leadership is focused on governance, accountability, and economic transformation rather than revisiting past disputes.
He described the current period as one of the best opportunities in decades for India and Nepal to strengthen bilateral relations through trade, infrastructure development, energy cooperation, and technological partnerships.
“We refuse to view India through outdated geopolitical lenses,” he said, adding that Nepal wants to engage with a rapidly growing India that is emerging as a major global technology and economic power.
Key Discussions During India Visit
During his visit to India, Khanal held extensive talks with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar. Discussions reportedly covered several important areas, including:
- Trade and economic cooperation
- Cross-border connectivity projects
- Energy and hydropower collaboration
- Water resource management
- People-to-people exchanges
- Digital infrastructure partnerships
The meetings were seen as part of broader efforts to strengthen cooperation between the two neighboring countries.
India-Nepal Digital Payments Get Major Boost
One of the most notable announcements made during the visit was the operational launch of person-to-person cross-border digital payments between India and Nepal.
The initiative, developed through cooperation between Nepal Clearing House Limited (NCHL) and the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), will allow citizens of both countries to make seamless digital transactions similar to India’s UPI payment system.
Experts believe the move could significantly improve financial connectivity and support tourism, trade, and remittances between the two countries.
Post-Earthquake Reconstruction and Technology Cooperation
Khanal also highlighted India’s support for Nepal’s reconstruction efforts following devastating earthquakes.
According to the minister, India has completed and handed over 72 health-sector projects and 12 cultural-sector reconstruction projects in Nepal.
Additionally, both sides have agreed to expand cooperation in emerging sectors such as digital public infrastructure and artificial intelligence through partnerships involving educational institutions, including Kathmandu University.
Border Dispute Remains Sensitive Issue
Despite the positive diplomatic tone, the India-Nepal border dispute remains a sensitive topic.
India has consistently maintained that border-related matters should be resolved through bilateral mechanisms and has reiterated that nearly 98 percent of the India-Nepal boundary has already been demarcated.
The remaining disputed areas, including Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura, continue to be discussed through established diplomatic channels.
Looking Ahead
Ending his visit on an optimistic note, Khanal emphasized the shared heritage between India and Nepal and called on citizens and media in both countries to focus on future opportunities rather than past disagreements.
He described India and Nepal as nations connected by common rivers, mountains, cultures, and centuries-old civilizational ties.
With both countries expanding cooperation in trade, technology, connectivity, and digital payments, diplomatic observers believe the latest outreach could help create a more constructive atmosphere for addressing unresolved issues while strengthening one of South Asia’s most important bilateral relationships.
