EPG for Nepal-India starts in Kathmandu

Kathmandu, July 4: The first meeting of Eminent Persons' Group (EPG) for Nepal-India relations kicked off in Kathmandu Monday.

Inaugurating the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Foreign Affairs Kamal Thapa expressed his belief the meeting of the group would play crucial role to find solution to end misunderstandings seen recently in Nepal-India bilateral relations.

"With the beginning of EPG meeting, a new chapter has begun in the process of making out relations stronger, more forward looking and progressive."

Mentioning that the relationship between the two countries dated back to pre-historic period, rooted in the way of life of peoples and there was a profound feeling of fraternity, DPM Thapa accepted that differences and misunderstandings or even feelings of suspicion did emerged between the two neighbours.

"Therefore, to ensure such difference do not arise, take our relations to a newer height, and bring changes according to the demands of time, the EPG consisting parliamentarians, lawyers, economists and civil societies from both the countries was created. It will look at different aspects of our relations and recommend measures necessary for building mutual trust and better ties between the two countries in the changed context," said the Foreign Minister.

DPM Thapa indicated towards the need to review the treaty of 1950.

"The global order and situation including of Nepal and India's standing in the world today has become different in comparison to that of the 1950s. The treaties, agreements and arrangements that guided our relations in the then context might require appropriate revision to deal with the needs of the present time," he said.

He emphasized on adopting accommodative approach rather than confrontational approach by Nepal and India while pursuing their national interest and urged the EPG to consider the realities that the two countries were equally sovereign with different size and population while absolute reciprocity couldn't be offered by small states.

 Bhagat Singh Koshyari, coordinator of the EPG from India and former Chief Minister of Uttarakhand province, said that the meeting would review bilateral relations between the two countries and find ways to strengthen it in the days to come.

Saying that the ties between the two countries were rooted in the people-to-people relations, he stated that the southern neighbour always wanted to see stable and progressive Nepal.

 Dr. Bhekh Bahadur Thapa, coordinator of EPG from Nepal and former Foreign Affairs Minister, said that the group would study and review the past bilateral treaties and agreements between Nepal and India. "We will try to find ways which will help the relations between the two nations grow into the newer heights."

Nepali EPG team also includes former secretary and Chief of the Commission for the Investigation of Abuse of Authority (CIAA) Surya Nath Upadhyaya, former Minister Nilambar Acharya and parliamentarian Dr. Rajan Bhattarai.

Likewise, Indian team has former ambassador to Nepal Jayant Prasad, professor Mahendra P. Lama and BC Upreti.

The Nepal-India Joint Commission Meeting in 2014 had agreed to form a group review various dimensions in the relation between the two countries. The EPG was formed following growing misunderstandings between Nepal-India after the latter imposed blockade at the southern border. The EPG has two year's tenure.

The meeting will continue till Tuesday.