With Nepal insisting on foreign secretary-level talks to address the Kalapani border issue, even while simultaneously pushing through a constitutional amendment to validate its new map, India said it was important to create an environment of trust and confidence for dialogue.
"India is open to engaging with all its neighbours on the basis of mutual sensitivity and mutual respect, in an environment of trust and confidence. This is a continuous process and requires constructive and positive efforts," said MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava, replying to a question on Nepal's plea for talks on the issue.
India believes there has been no lack of engagement between the two countries in any case. Foreign secretary Harsh Shringla has already met the Nepal ambassador, Nilambar Acharya, twice. Joint secretary (North) in MEA Piyush Srivastava, who handles Nepal, has also met the ambassador several times, and remained in regular contact with him, sources said. The Nepal media had earlier reported that the ambassador had been trying unsuccessfully to meet senior Indian officials.
Nepal has been asking for talks on Kalapani since November last year, after India released its new map following the reorganisation of J&K. It wants to activate the foreign secretary-level mechanism between the two countries to resolve issues related to outstanding border disputes. The central working committee of Nepali Congress will now meet to discuss the amendment proposal for revising the map in the national emblem, according to Nepal media reports. The party though had supported the decision to issue a new map earlier.
The MEA said it attached great importance to the deep rooted historical, cultural and friendly relations with Nepal. "In recent years, our relations have been on an upward trajectory which is evident from expanding and diversified bilateral cooperation and increased GoI’s assistance for development and connectivity projects. This has resulted in timely implementation of several large-scale and critical projects," said Srivastava.
"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 added.
Nepal govt tables bill to alter country's map
Meanwhile, the Nepal government on Sunday tabled a Constitution amendment bill in parliament aimed at altering the country's map amid a border dispute with India. Minister for Law, Justice and Parliamentary Affairs Shivamaya Tumbahangphe, on behalf of the government of Nepal, tabled the bill, a day after the main Opposition Nepali Congress also backed the legislation.
It will be the second amendment to the Constitution. Nepal recently released the revised political and administrative map of the country laying claim over the strategically key areas of Lipulekh, Kalapani and Limpiyadhura. India reacted angrily to the move saying such "artificial enlargement" of territorial claims will not be acceptable and asked the neighbouring country to refrain from such "unjustified cartographic assertion"
