India “open to engaging with Nepal on basis on mutual sensitive and respect”

KATHMANDU, May 29: India is open to engaging with Nepal on the basis of mutual sensitivity and mutual respect in an environment of trust and confidence to resolve the border issues, said Indian External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said on Thursday.

India’s statement comes amid the Nepal government’s preparation to amend the constitution to update the Nepal map in the national emblem as per the revised administrative map that incorporates Kapalani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura inside Nepali border.

A constitution amendment proposal has been registered in the parliament and the government awaits for Nepali Congress’s official decision to this regard to present the bill for discussion although the main opposition party has said it has full support to the amendment.

Nepal on May 18 released its new map incorporating the encroached territories—which India also claims as its own—in response to India’s move of opening a link road to Mansarovar via Lipulekh.

India had described the Nepal move as “unilateral act” and “artificial”.

“On the recent developments in the boundary issue, we continue to monitor the situation in Nepal We note that this matter is receiving a careful concentration in Nepal,” said Srivastava.

“This is a continuous process and it requires constructive and positive efforts.”

He also said India “attaches great importance to the deep-rooted historical, cultural and friendly relations with Nepal”.

“In recent years these relations have seen an upward trajectory which is visible from expansion and diversification of our bilateral cooperation. There is also increased Indian assistance for development and connectivity projects.

“We have had a timely implementation of several large-scale and critical projects. And even in these challenging times of Covid-19 pandemic, India has ensured unimpeded trade and supply of essentials including medicines to Nepal, besides providing assistance in terms of medical supplies and other facilitation,” he said.