Recently, news surfaced that Nepal has suggested a meeting of the Boundary Working Group (BWG) to take place by early September 2020. The proposal was brought up during a telephonic discussion between the Prime Ministers of India and Nepal on India’s 74th Independence Day (15th August 2020). This high-level conversation marked a notable point after nearly nine months of strained relations following India’s assertion of control over the disputed Kalapani-Lipulekh-Limpiyadhura region of Pithoragarh (Uttrakhand) in November 2019, an area claimed by Nepal.
Understanding the Boundary Working Group (BWG)
The BWG is an agency jointly established by India and Nepal in 2014. It is responsible for tasks such as construction, restoration, and repair of boundary pillars, clearance of ‘no-man’s land,’ and other technical tasks related to boundaries. The BWG, led by the Surveyor General of India, differs from the foreign secretaries meeting sought to discuss the Kalapani border dispute. The BWG previously conducted six meetings, the most recent of which was held on 28th August 2019 in Dehradun (Uttrakhand).
The Role of the BWG in Border Dispute Resolution
In 2017, the BWG finalized a comprehensive plan for execution and completion of boundary work within the next five years. The group’s input is highly crucial as it provides field-level survey data to the respective governments. Recent interactions between the two countries have paved the way for further dialogue. Both sides may now use modern technology such as satellite imagery and drone surveys to assess the BWG’s work.
Recent Tensions between India and Nepal
The India-Nepal border dispute resurfaced in November 2019 when India unveiled its new map following the bifurcation of Jammu and Kashmir into two Union Territories. This map showed Kalapani as part of Uttrakhand State which sparked disputes. Another contentious region between the two countries is the Susta area in Bihar. Tensions escalated further when Nepal released a new map claiming disputed territories like Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura.
Underlying Issues in Nepal-India Relations
India perceives Nepal’s PM K P Oli and his Nepal Communist Party to be leaning towards China. From Nepal’s perspective, Indian diplomacy appears increasingly centralized and unresponsive under the control of the Indian Prime Minister’s Office. Nepal has officially approached India for boundary dialogue thrice since November 2019, but India insists that Nepal must first create the proper conditions for it.
Finding a Way Forward
It is essential to de-escalate the situation before the open border’s social, cultural, and economic ties experience long-term damage. Diplomatic ice was broken when the Prime Minister of Nepal called the Indian Prime Minister on 15th August. However, this is just the beginning, and video conference-based talks should be scheduled soon to resolve border disputes in a peaceful manner.