Balen Shah Says India-Nepal Border Row Not One-Sided
Nepal Prime Minister Balendra “Balen” Shah has said the India-Nepal border dispute is not one-sided, claiming that both countries have encroached on each other’s territory. His remarks in Parliament have triggered political debate in Nepal and renewed focus on the long-running boundary dispute.
Balen Shah On India Nepal Border Dispute
Shah said the border issue with India should be resolved through dialogue, diplomacy and expert-level discussions. He told Parliament that after taking office, he came to know that not only had India allegedly encroached on Nepal’s land, but Nepal had also allegedly encroached on Indian territory in multiple places.
The statement marks a significant shift from Nepal’s usual political messaging, which has often focused mainly on alleged Indian encroachment.
Nepal India Border Row Over Kalapani
The India-Nepal boundary dispute mainly involves Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura, areas claimed by Nepal but administered by India as part of Uttarakhand. India has maintained that these territories belong to it and has repeatedly said border issues should be settled through bilateral talks.
Shah said historians, surveyors and experts could be involved to examine the matter and help both sides move towards a practical settlement.
UK Role In Border Talks Proposed
Shah also said Nepal had discussed the issue with India, China and the United Kingdom. He suggested that the UK should take interest because the dispute is linked to boundary arrangements from the British India period.
The remarks are likely to draw attention in New Delhi, which traditionally prefers bilateral handling of India-Nepal border issues. For now, Shah’s comments have placed the boundary dispute back at the centre of India-Nepal diplomatic discussions.
