Kathmandu: In a press conference held on Friday morning at the Nepal Press Union’s Daddeldhura branch, Nepal’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, N.P. Saud, shared developments regarding the boundary dispute with India, stating that a Boundary Working Group has been actively working on the matter.
Minister Saud expressed consensus on the regions of Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Sustabhari along the Nepal-India border. He disclosed that both countries are jointly working through a Joint Boundary Working Group to resolve the boundary dispute. “There is substantial agreement on Kalapani, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Sustabhari. The Joint Boundary Working Group of both countries is actively engaged in this effort, and progress has been made,” stated Minister Saud.
He reassured that the Nepalese government remains vigilant and fully informed about issues related to the country’s borders and sovereignty. Minister Saud emphasized that efforts to address border issues through dialogue, discussions, and diplomatic initiatives have been ongoing.
In addition to discussing the border situation, Minister Saud highlighted the recent successful visit of India’s External Affairs Minister, S. Jaishankar. “We have made significant and fruitful agreements with India, such as the sale of 10,000 megawatts of electricity, starting the Pancheshwar project, and bringing a 10 billion equivalent grant for earthquake victims in Jajarkot,” he stated. “Jaishankar’s recent visit has been beneficial, important, and fruitful in enhancing relations between the two countries.”
Breakthrough Anticipated in Pancheshwar Project
Minister Saud claimed that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Pancheshwar Multinational Project is in its final stages, and a breakthrough is expected in the coming days. He emphasized that the Pancheshwar project would not only benefit the people of the far-western region but also prove advantageous for Nepal as a whole.
“The Pancheshwar project will not only benefit the far-western region but will also be beneficial for the entire nation, not just in terms of employment but also by reducing the number of youth going abroad for employment,” he explained.
Efforts for the Release of Vipin Joshi
Minister Saud informed that concerted efforts are underway from the government’s side for the safe release of Vipin Joshi, who was abducted by Hamas. “We have repeatedly appealed to the Israeli government for the release of Vipin. We have also urged the Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister. We believe that Vipin will return safely. He is safe, and his release is imminent,” expressed Minister Saud.
He further clarified that Nepali students recruited in the Russian military have not been sent with the government’s permission. “We have not approved the recruitment of Nepali students in the Russian military. Those who have gone to Russia for education and visitor visas are being recruited in the Russian military.
We have received information about the death of 10 Nepalis so far, and eight bodies have been kept in their mortuary.”
Minister Saud concluded by expressing gratitude to 133 families who have provided information about their family members in Russia and urged them to cooperate in bringing back the bodies of those who have lost their lives.
