India and Nepal Reset Border Dispute After Controversial Remarks

Following Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s remarks that sparked a controversy over cross‑border occupation, Nepal’s foreign minister Shisir Khanal visited New Delhi. In meetings with National Security Adviser Ajit Doval and External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, Kathmandu emphasized a pragmatic partnership, describing India as its “most important partner” and pledging to move beyond historic baggage.

Both sides agreed to address the border issue through a joint working group on border management. Technical teams are mapping the frontier, reinstalling missing border pillars and clarifying areas where land may be occupied by the opposite side. The next meeting of the Nepal‑India Joint Working Group is scheduled for August in India. New Delhi rejected any third‑party mediation, insisting the dispute be resolved bilaterally.

Discussions also covered broader cooperation in trade, connectivity, energy, water resources, security and people‑to‑people links, underscoring the intent to strengthen the multifaceted relationship while ensuring stability along the shared border.