Nepal discussing border disputes with UK alongside India and China, Says PM Balen Shah

Prime Minister Reveals Nepal Has Sent Diplomatic Note to India, Says Both Countries May Have Encroached on Each Other’s Territory

KATHMANDU: Prime Minister Balendra Shah has revealed that Nepal has held discussions not only with India and China but also with the United Kingdom regarding longstanding border disputes and territorial issues involving Nepal.

Addressing Nepal’s House of Representatives on Saturday, Prime Minister Shah said the government has intensified diplomatic efforts to resolve border-related concerns through dialogue, historical research, and bilateral cooperation.

His remarks came in response to a question from lawmaker Padma Aryal regarding reports that India had opened and used road infrastructure through territory claimed by Nepal.

Nepal Sent Diplomatic Note to India

Prime Minister Shah informed Parliament that the Government of Nepal has already sent a diplomatic note to India concerning the border issue and has received a formal response.

According to Shah, both governments have agreed in principle to pursue discussions involving historians, border experts, and individuals knowledgeable about land records and historical documents.

“The response from India suggests that both governments will engage historians and experts familiar with territorial and historical matters and seek solutions through table talks,” Shah said.

The Prime Minister emphasized that Nepal is committed to resolving border disputes through diplomatic engagement rather than confrontation.

UK Also Involved in Discussions

In a notable statement, Shah disclosed that Nepal has also raised the issue with the United Kingdom, citing the historical legacy of British India.

“We have spoken not only with India and China but also with the UK government,” Shah told lawmakers. “Our position is that some of these issues originated during the period when British India existed, and therefore the United Kingdom should also have an interest in the matter.”

The comments indicate that Nepal is seeking to examine historical treaties, maps, and records dating back to the colonial era as part of efforts to address unresolved territorial questions.

PM Says Nepal May Also Be Occupying Indian Land

One of the most striking aspects of Shah’s parliamentary address was his assertion that the issue of encroachment may not be one-sided.

The Prime Minister said he had learned after assuming office that, in some locations, Nepal may also be occupying land claimed by India.

“You may find this surprising, but I only learned this after becoming Prime Minister,” Shah said. “It appears that not only has India occupied Nepali land in some areas, but Nepal may also be occupying Indian land in several places.”

He stressed that the matter requires careful study and verification rather than political rhetoric.

Government Seeking Friendly Resolution

Prime Minister Shah stated that Nepal intends to address border disputes as a matter between friendly neighboring countries and not as a source of conflict.

“We want both countries to study the facts together, determine where encroachments may have occurred, and resolve the issues through friendship and mutual understanding,” he said.

He added that joint research, expert consultations, and diplomatic negotiations would play a key role in future discussions.

Background of the Nepal–India Border Dispute

The Nepal–India border issue has primarily centered on the disputed regions of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura.

Nepal maintains that these territories are part of its sovereign land, while India administers the areas and maintains a different interpretation of the border.

In 2020, Nepal officially released a revised national map incorporating Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura within its borders, intensifying diplomatic discussions between the two countries.

The Prime Minister’s latest remarks add a new dimension to the debate by highlighting the role of historical records, the colonial-era legacy of British India, and the possibility of mutual territorial claims requiring detailed examination.

As Nepal pursues diplomatic engagement with India, China, and the United Kingdom, the government appears to be positioning itself toward a negotiated and evidence-based approach to resolving one of South Asia’s most sensitive geopolitical issues.