KATHMANDU, June 26: India and Nepal are coordinating on a real-time basis to minimize the damage along bordering areas due to flooding this monsoon season, a spokesperson of the India's External Affairs Ministry (MEA) has said.

At a media briefing, MEA spokesperson Anurag Srivastava said on Thursday that the embankment and anti-erosion works have already commenced.

The statement comes at a time when a section of Indian media is accusing Nepal of putting up barricades and hindering personnel from crossing over to complete the works related to flood control.

Responding to a media question on Nepal's political and administrative map, the MEA spokesperson indicated that his country does not want to hold talks with Nepal on the issue immediately.  “We have made our position clear on the issue and would not like to add anything," he said. 

In another context, the MEA spokesperson claimed that India has not stopped regular supplies to Nepal via India-Nepal border points. “Trade and supplies are going on without any hindrance between the two countries, including at the Kakarbhitta-Panitanki border.”

On the contrary, the two countries have extensive trade relations and bilateral trade has grown despite the lockdown, he said.

“In fact, in May, it surpassed $300 million. Despite the present challenging times of COVID-19, we have facilitated continuous and smooth flow of trade and supply of essential goods to Nepal,” said Srivastava.

On the parliamentary debate in Nepal to bar citizenship for seven years to Nepali men marrying foreign women, Srivastava was non-committal.

“We have seen the reports on this. People of India and Nepal share deep-rooted and familial bonds. These bonds reflect the close civilizational and cultural linkages between our two countries,” he added.

 
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