NEW DELHI:- The Indian Ministry of External Affairs has made it clear that the border dispute between Nepal and India will be resolved through the established bilateral mechanism.

Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal made this statement during a regular press conference in New Delhi, informing that the work of demarcation between the two countries has been completed by about 98 percent.

Spokesperson Jaiswal said that the demarcation issue in some areas is yet to be resolved due to the change in the course of the Gandak River. He said that since there have been some incidents of cross-border occupation and encroachment of ten yards even in areas where demarcation has been done, a joint mapping is being done.

Asked about the recent comments made by the Nepali Prime Minister and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the border, Spokesperson Jaiswal said, “The border issue between Nepal and India is a purely bilateral matter. There is no role for any third party in such matters and this should be made clear to all parties concerned.”

He said that an effective bilateral mechanism is in place between the two countries to address all technical and diplomatic issues related to the border. Discussing the various dimensions of the relations between the two countries, Spokesperson Jaisawal mentioned that Nepal and India have deep and long-standing relations at the people-to-people level as well as between political parties. He said that the recent high-level visits and meetings at various levels from Nepal are further strengthening the mutual contacts and relations.