Foreign Minister Saud Updates on Continuing Efforts to Resolve Nepal-India Border Matters

Foreign Affairs Minister NP Saud has stated that the Joint Boundary Working Group is actively working on resolving border issues between Nepal and India.

Speaking at a press conference organized by the Nepal Press Union in Dadeldhura, Minister Saud mentioned that numerous agreements have been reached between Nepal and India on various border-related matters, excluding Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, and Susta.

“Several agreements have been made regarding the border, except for Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, Lipulek, and Susta. Historical border mapping and demarcation have led to instances where some areas of Nepal were mistakenly placed on the Indian side, and vice versa,” informed the Minister.

He added that the Joint Boundary Working Group is actively addressing these discrepancies with progress through mutual consent.

Minister Saud emphasized that the Nepalese government is fully aware of its borders and the land under its ownership. He stated that efforts are ongoing to resolve border issues through diplomatic discussions and initiatives.

Regarding Indian Minister for External Affairs Dr. S. Jaishankar’s recent visit to Nepal, Minister Saud expressed its significance, importance, and fruitful outcomes.

Various agreements were reached during the visit, including plans to export 10,000 megawatts of electricity within the next 10 years and the implementation of the Pancheshwor Hydropower Project.

Additionally, an Indian grant amounting to Rs 10 billion for quake survivors in Jajarkot district was secured.

“The visit of the Indian Minister for External Affairs was meaningful for advancing the relations between the two countries,” said Minister Saud.

Pancheshwor Project Progress

Minister Saud asserted that the Pancheshwor Multipurpose Project has reached a breakthrough point. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is in its final stages, and the project’s breakthrough is anticipated in the coming days.

He highlighted the national benefits of the Pancheshwor project, stating that it will not only benefit the Sudurpaschim region but also create employment opportunities.

Minister Saud expressed confidence that advancing projects like Pancheshwor, West Seti, Arun III, and Upper Karnali hydropower projects would reduce the number of youths seeking overseas employment.

Efforts for release of Bipin Joshi

Minister Saud provided information about the government’s efforts to secure the release of Bipin Joshi from Kanchanpur, currently held captive by Hamas in Israel.

He stated that repeated appeals have been made to the Israeli government, and requests have been forwarded to the Prime Minister and External Affairs Minister of Qatar for assistance.

Expressing optimism, Minister Saud hoped for Bipin’s release during the second ceasefire. He clarified that Nepalis joining the Russian Army Force did not receive the government’s permission.

Diplomatic efforts are underway to repatriate the bodies of 10 Nepalis who lost their lives in Russia, and arrangements are being made for the repatriation of 133 individuals at risk in Russia, as requested by their families.