Kathmandu, July 2: Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal has clarified that the Indian helicopter observed in Nepal’s airspace on June 10 entered due to adverse weather conditions.
During a meeting addressing oral questions related to his ministry, Khanal stated that the Nepalese government received information indicating that the Indian helicopter had crossed into the Darchula district after facing bad weather.
He remarked, “Based on the information received from the relevant authorities, it does not appear that the Indian helicopter intentionally or with any malice entered Nepalese territory.”
Khanal explained, “Due to the geographical conditions and weather in the area, the helicopter entered Nepalese airspace. Necessary coordination and communication are ongoing between the relevant Nepalese officials and the Indian side regarding this matter.”
According to Nepalese officials, the Indian military helicopter violated Nepal’s airspace by flying well within the border without permission on June 10. After remaining in Nepalese airspace for a while, the helicopter returned to Indian territory.
Anil Poudel, the Chief District Officer of Darchula, confirmed the airspace violation after local residents captured video footage of the Indian military helicopter in the Changru area. Following this, they lodged a formal protest with the District Magistrate in Pithoragarh, India, seeking clarification on why their airspace was violated without prior notice.
Poudel noted that the Indian side informed their office that they had already notified the relevant authorities in Nepal and assured that such airspace violations would not occur in the future.
India maintains a military presence in the disputed Kalapani area on the outskirts of Darchula, a region claimed by both Nepal and India. The ongoing border dispute over Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura has been a significant source of tension in bilateral relations.
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