Border row should be resolved thru talks, not streets: Ex-Indian envoy Rajan

SEOUL, Feb 3: The border disputes between Nepal and India should be resolved through diplomatic talks, not from the streets, said former Ambassador of India to Nepal K V Rajan.

The territory of Kalapani has been a bone of contention between India and Nepal lately after the Indian government in November last year released its political map placing the region inside its border, which is claimed by Nepal but remains under Indian control since 1962. 

 “All the issues of border disputes including Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura will be resolved through diplomatic talks,” said Rajan while talking to Rishi Dhamala. Both Rajan and Dhamala are in Seoul, the capital of South Korea to attend the World Peace Media Conference 2020.

The release of the new Indian political map angered the people across Nepal who took to streets protesting the Indian border encroachment.

“Protests and street demonstrations will not solve the border row. It should be rather be solved through diplomatic dialogues, not through public pressure,” furthered Rajan, who served as the ambassador in Kathmandu from March 15, 1995, to June 13, 2000. 

“A foreign-secretary level talk is taking place soon. I believe the border disputes will be resolved soon,” he added.

According to Rajan, despite the recent hiccups, Nepal and India share a very positive bond at the bilateral level.

“Both the government are strong. The people-to-people relation is very positive. Both the prime ministers share a very deep and positive bond, and I believe, will continue in the days ahead,” he said.

 “India is always ready to support Nepal in its goal to achieve prosperity,” he added.