Indian Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson has denied that the bilateral issues between India and Nepal have been internationalised. 

Responding to question, MEA spokesperson Vikas Swarup said that India’s statement as a part of Universal Periodic Review (UPR) process in Geneva was part of an agreed international process. “There is no international dimension,” said Swarup.

On November 4, India had raised issue of truth and reconciliation during the UPR meeting in Geneva. The Indian Representative had called for full and effective functioning of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, including the prosecution of those responsible for violent insurgency.

On the question of blockade, MEA spokesperson reiterated Indian position that there has been no blockade from Indian side.

“As far the issue of blockade is concerned, there is no blockade by India,” Swarup said. “The number of commercial cargo vehicles is moving daily to Nepal is between 400 to 700.”

Swarup said that as of Wednesday 6910 vehicles were waiting entry in different border points. Out of which 4800 were in Raxaul alone, the spokesperson said. “We are still making every effort to send as many vehicles as possible to Nepal. But the main problem is the main trading point of Raxaul, which handles 70-80 pecent of the commercial traffic continues to be blocked.”

The sooner the Nepali leadership reaches out to that section of population and reaches some sort accommodation, the sooner our supplies can resume which have been caused by the blockade on the Nepali side of the border, Swarup said.

On killing of Indian national in Birgunj, MEA spokesperson said that embassy is Nepal has sought the investigation report from Nepal.