India not interested in negotiating with Nepal

After a long silence, India made it amply clear that it is not going to have any talks with Nepal on the vexed boundary issue now even though it values the neighbour’s friendly relations.

For the first time reacting to Nepal’s request for high level bilateral talks on boundary issues the Mr Anurg  Srivastava, Spokesman,  of the Ministry of External Affairs of India only said “We have already made our position clear on these issues.”

The Spokesman was replying to barrage of questions on the ongoing Indo-Nepal border dispute during a media conference today. “India deeply values its civilization, cultural and friendly relations with Nepal,” he said.

On the other hand, the Spokesman sounded optimistic when asked about the ongoing border dispute with other neighbor China. “It was agreed that an early resolution of the situation would be in keeping with the guidance of the leaders,” he said when questioned about the border situation with China.

“The two sides are, therefore, maintaining their military and diplomatic engagements to peacefully resolve the situation at the earliest as also to ensure peace and tranquility in the border areas.  This is essential for the further development of Indian-China bilateral relations,” he added.

The Spokesman went on to add that the  multi-faceted bilateral partnership between the two countries has expanded and diversified in the recent years with increased focus and enhanced Government of India’s assistance on humanitarian, development and connectivity projects in Nepal. India has been reaching out to friendly neighbouring countries including Nepal, in line with Prime Minister, Mr Narendra Modi’s  initiative to chart out a common strategy to combat COVID-19 in the region, he said.

India has extended all possible technical, medical and humanitarian assistance to Nepal. Giving details the Spokesman said that India has  supplied about 25 tonnes of medical aid to Nepal including Paracetamol and hydroxy chloroquine (HCQ) medicines, test kits and other medical supplies.

Government of India has also ensured that there is no untoward disruption in trade and supply of essential goods to Nepal, despite the lockdown on both sides. India has also helped in repatriation of Nepalese nationals stranded abroad on humanitarian grounds, the Spokesman added.(eom)