Himal Press 
KATHMANDU: Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has said that Nepal has not sought British mediation in its border dispute with India and remains clear that the issue should be resolved through diplomatic dialogue between the two countries.
Speaking at a press conference organised at the Nepali Embassy in New Delhi, Khanal rejected claims that Nepal was seeking British mediation.
“As you know, Nepal has been sending diplomatic notes regarding Nepali territory over the past few years. The agreement in question was between India and China. We have conveyed our official position to both countries through diplomatic notes,” Khanal said in response to questions from Indian journalists.
“We have clearly stated that the land (Lipulekh and Kalapani) belongs to Nepal. Historically, that territory is ours. The Prime Minister has also expressed the same position,” he added.
Khanal said the Nepal–India border dispute is linked to a long historical legacy.
“In particular, the border between Nepal and India was determined by the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli. We want to resolve the dispute through diplomatic means. For that, we need historical evidence,” he said.
“We are trying to obtain relevant documents from libraries and museums in the United Kingdom. We are not seeking any form of mediation,” he clarified.
“The Prime Minister is clear that the border dispute must be resolved through diplomatic channels and bilateral dialogue,” Khanal said. “This has always been Nepal’s position.”
