Nepal Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal on Sunday stated that no boundary issue is too complex to resolve if the two neighbors engage with an open heart, rational mind, and mutual respect. His remarks come amid renewed tensions over the India-Nepal border dispute involving Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura.
Shift in Kathmandu's Approach
Addressing a press conference at the Nepal Embassy in New Delhi, Khanal signaled a marked shift in Nepal's approach, arguing that the country should move beyond 20th-century geopolitics and focus on development-driven engagement with India. He emphasized that his government favors calm, data-driven, and evidence-based discussions rather than hyper-nationalistic grandstanding.
Focus on Development Partnership
Khanal, who represents Nepal's ruling Rashtriya Swatantra Party (RSP), described the current moment as the most conducive window in decades to transform bilateral ties. He noted that the new generation of leadership in Kathmandu is unburdened by the past and focused on governance, accountability, and economic transformation.
During his visit, Khanal held extensive discussions with External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on trade, connectivity, energy cooperation, water resources, and people-to-people ties. He announced the operationalization of cross-border digital payments under a partnership between Nepal Clearing House Ltd and India's National Payments Corporation of India, enabling UPI-style transactions.
Reconstruction and Technology Collaboration
Khanal highlighted the handover of 72 health-sector and 12 cultural-sector post-earthquake reconstruction projects built with Indian assistance. He also mentioned a new collaboration on digital public infrastructure and artificial intelligence between Kathmandu University and Indian institutions.
Calling India a dynamic, fast-growing technological and economic powerhouse, Khanal said Nepal wants to engage with a rising India through development partnerships rather than geopolitical contestation.
Background of Border Dispute
Khanal's outreach comes after a fresh political storm in Nepal over Prime Minister Balendra Shah's comments on the long-running border dispute. India has reiterated that boundary issues are strictly bilateral and noted that nearly 98 percent of the India-Nepal border has already been demarcated.
Emphasizing shared civilizational bonds, Khanal described India and Nepal as children of the same rivers, mountains, and ancient wisdom. He urged the media and citizens to build a relationship fueled by hopes for the future rather than anxieties of the past.
