NEW DELHI: Addressing the controversy over Nepal’s portrayal of specific Indian territories on its currency notes,
external affairs minister
(EAM) S Jaishankar emphasised the challenges of managing relationships with neighboring countries. Jaishankar recognised that handling relations with neighboring nations frequently entails navigating political complexities.
“Sometimes, dealing with our neighbours involves navigating a bit of politics.
It’s about balancing our interests with theirs,” said
EAM Jaishankar
during a press interaction on Sunday.
He also cautioned that not all of India’s neighbors may hold positive views towards the country, mentioning instances where unfavorable opinions have been expressed. “If you travel to places like Sri Lanka, you may encounter some negative sentiments from government officials or individuals,” he said.
However, despite occasional hurdles, Jaishankar emphaised India’s overarching reputation for aiding neighboring nations during crises, including the
Covid-19 pandemic
and international conflicts like the situation in Ukraine.
“However, if you look at our overall image, especially during times like the COVID crisis when we extended help to those in need, or during conflicts like in Ukraine where we ensured essential supplies reached affected people, our actions speak volumes,” he added.
He emphasised India’s proactive engagement in ensuring crucial supplies reach affected populations, showcasing its dedication to regional stability and assistance.
Furthermore, Jaishankar highlighted occasions where neighboring countries have sought additional resources, such as onions, during perceived shortages, underscoring the significance of fostering a positive and mutually beneficial relationship. “Even now, occasionally, our neighbours request extra resources, like onions, when they feel there’s a shortage,” the external affairs minister also said.
“In diplomacy, as in business, setbacks are part of the game,” Jaishankar remarked. “But we manage them and move forward, ultimately achieving success.”
The comments come in the midst of rising tensions over Nepal’s inclusion of specific Indian territories on its currency notes, leading to diplomatic discussions between the two nations.
During a cabinet meeting on Friday, Nepal decided to feature a new
political map
on 100 rupee banknotes, encompassing the disputed territories of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani as part of its territory.
In May 2020, Nepal submitted an updated map to the ministry of land management, incorporating the contested territories. The department of survey said that the map was meticulously prepared, ensuring accuracy in scale, projection, and coordinate system.
Tensions between New Delhi and Kathmandu escalated following Nepal’s release of a political map in mid-May 2020, which incorporated the territories of Lipulekh, Kalapani, and Limpiyadhura. These territories had been previously included in India’s November 2019 map.
The earlier map issued in 2032 BS omitted Gunji, Nabhi, and Kuri villages, which are now part of the recently revised map, adding 335 square kilometers of land.
Diplomatic relations between the two nations deteriorated following the inauguration of a road connecting Kailash Mansarovar via Lipulekh on May 8, 2020, prompting Nepal to issue a diplomatic note to India in protest.
Before delivering the diplomatic note, Nepal had vehemently opposed India’s unilateral decision to construct the road. In response to Nepal’s objections, India’s ministry of external affairs (MEA) said that the road, situated in Uttarakhand’s Pithoragarh district, “entirely falls within the territory of India.”
(With inputs from agencies)
