EPG Key Handover: Legacy of Historic Documents Transferred to Minister Khanal

KATHMANDU. Dr. Bhesh Bahadur Thapa, former Nepali coordinator of the Nepal-India Eminent Persons Group (EPG), has handed over the key to a drawer containing the group’s jointly signed report and related documents to Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal. The handover took place on Thursday at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, just before Minister Khanal departed for a three-day visit to India. Foreign Secretary Amrit Kumar Rai was also present on the occasion.

Citing his declining health, Dr. Thapa transferred custody of the important documents to Minister Khanal. The EPG, formed on July 5, 2016 (Asar 20, 2073 BS), was tasked with reviewing all bilateral treaties, including the 1950 Treaty of Peace and Friendship, and exploring ways to elevate Nepal-India relations to a new height. Although the group, comprising experts from both countries, prepared a joint report, India has shown reluctance to formally receive it. Consequently, the report has neither been made public nor implemented.

The Nepali side of the EPG included Dr. Thapa (coordinator), Nilamber Acharya, Suryanath Upadhyaya, and Dr. Rajan Bhattarai. The Indian side was led by coordinator Bhagat Singh Koshyari, with members Jayant Prasad, Professor Mahendra P. Lama, and B.C. Upreti.

While neither government has formally accepted the report, Nepal has unofficially received it through Foreign Minister Khanal. The handover of the key is considered significant as Minister Khanal departs for India, coinciding with the return home of Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane after a five-day visit to India.