India, Nepal FMs meet in bid to repair ties after row

India, Nepal take steps to normalise their ties

Crucial “political and security issues” and “border management” were discussed at the sixth India-Nepal joint commission meeting in New Delhi on Friday co-chaired by external affairs minister S. Jaishankar and Nepalese foreign minister P.K. Gyawali, but it was unclear if the Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipu Lekh issue — that affected bilateral ties last year — was even briefly discussed or raised.

India had made it clear Thursday the JCM and boundary talks were “separate mechanisms”, thereby hinting it wasn’t on the agenda. But connectivity and development projects were discussed, including a new petroleum products pipeline on the eastern side linking Siliguri in India to Jhapa in Nepal and a possible broad gauge railway line between Raxaul (Bihar) in India and Kathmandu. Nepal has also sought early provision of Covid vaccines from India.

The JCM took place amid the current volatile political situation in Nepal, as China, much to India’s concern and dismay, extended its influence in the Himalayan nation hugely.

Crucial “political and security issues” as well as “border management” were among the subjects discussed at the sixth India-Nepal Joint Commission Meeting (JCM) in New Delhi on Friday. The meeting was co-chaired by external affairs minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar and his visiting Nepalese counterpart Pradeep Kumar Gyawali, but it is unclear whether the Limpiyadhura, Kalapani and Lipu Lekh border issue — that affected bilateral ties last year — was even briefly discussed or raised by the Nepalese side.

Meanwhile, news agency reports cited Nepalese diplomatic sources as saying the visiting Nepalese foreign minister had indeed raised the boundary row with India at a separate one to one discussion with Mr Jaishankar.

India had already made it clear on Thursday that the JCM and boundary talks are “separate mechanisms”, thereby hinting clearly that it was not on the agenda.

Both leaders held a comprehensive review of all aspects of bilateral ties and explored ways to further strengthen cooperation in key areas of connectivity, trade and energy.

Describing the MotihariAmlekhganj petroleum products pipeline a "milestone", the MEA said the two sides discussed its expansion to Chitwan and the establishment of a new pipeline on the eastern side connecting Siliguri to Jhapa in Nepal and a possible broad gauge railway line connecting Raxaul (Bihar) in India and the Nepalese capital Kathmandu.

Nepal also requested for early provision of Covid vaccines from India at the meeting. India is a frontrunner in starting vaccinating people against Covid-19 and this "has given us great hope", Mr Gyawali said today.

He said Nepal too will be availing these vaccines.

"Today as we wait for the availability of Covid-19 vaccines, India is one of the frontrunners. This has given us great hope. I take this opportunity to congratulate India and its innovative companies for success. Being next door, we believe we too will be availing these vaccines," Mr Gyawali said in a speech during an event organised by the Indian Council of World Affairs at Sapru House.

The JCM took place amid the current volatile political situation in Nepal, even as China has extended its influence in the Himalayan nation enormously in the past few years especially after the Nepalese Communists assumed office.

The MEA said “discussions were held on expediting the joint hydropower projects, including the proposed Pancheshwar multipurpose project”, with New Delhi also conveying that “India will undertake two more cultural heritage projects in Nepal, namely, the Pashupatinath Riverfront Development and the Bhandarkhal Garden Restoration in Patan Durbar, with grant assistance”.

The JCM emphasised the need to facilitate cross-border movement of people and goods. It was noted that the recently inaugurated integrated check posts at Birgunj and Biratnagar have helped in seamless movement of people and trade between the two countries, the MEA added.