Nepal PM draws fire after saying Nepal has ‘encroached’ Indian territory too

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has triggered a political controversy at home after stating that not only India but Nepal too had encroached on each other’s territories in some border areas, remarks that drew sharp reactions from opposition leaders and political commentators.

Speaking in Parliament during a discussion on Nepal’s border issues with India, Shah said he had learned after becoming prime minister that “India has not only encroached Nepalese territories, but Nepal has also encroached India’s territories in many places.”

He argued that both countries should jointly examine historical records and resolve disputes through dialogue and diplomacy.

Shah also called for the involvement of historians, surveyors and experts in addressing unresolved border questions and said Nepal had discussed aspects of the issue with the United Kingdom and China.

The remarks immediately sparked criticism within Nepal, with opposition lawmakers demanding that the prime minister either provide evidence for the claim or withdraw the statement.

Several leaders argued that the comments appeared to weaken Nepal’s longstanding position that parts of its territory had been encroached upon by India.

The controversy prompted Nepal’s Foreign Ministry to issue a clarification. The ministry said Shah’s remarks were linked to cross-border land occupation and usage patterns in certain frontier areas rather than an official acknowledgment of territorial claims by Nepal over Indian land.

According to the ministry, some riverine border regions have witnessed situations where residents cultivate or occupy land that technically falls on the other side of the boundary due to changes in river courses and historical demarcation practices.

Officials said the prime minister’s comments referred to these technical realities rather than a change in Nepal’s official position on sovereignty.

What is the India-Nepal border dispute?

India and Nepal share an open border stretching over 1,800 kilometres. While most of the boundary has been settled, disputes remain in areas including Kalapani, Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Susta.

The disagreement largely stems from differing interpretations of the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli signed between Nepal and British India.

Tensions intensified in 2019 after India published a revised political map that included Kalapani within its territory. Nepal responded the following year by issuing its own updated map incorporating Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura.

Despite periodic tensions, both countries have repeatedly stated that border disputes should be resolved through diplomatic dialogue and bilateral mechanisms.

Shah also reiterated in Parliament that negotiations remain the preferred route for addressing outstanding issues.

The latest controversy comes at a sensitive time in India-Nepal relations, with both sides maintaining diplomatic engagement while continuing discussions on trade, connectivity and border management.