Remarks made by Nepal’s newly appointed Prime Minister, Balen Shah, on the India-Nepal border dispute have sparked a political storm in the country. Addressing Parliament for the first time since assuming office on Sunday, Shah faced questions from opposition lawmakers regarding the long-standing border disputes with India. In response, he stated that India was not the only country occupying disputed territory and claimed that Nepal had also occupied certain areas belonging to India. He further told the House that he became aware of this situation only after taking charge as prime minister.
The comments come against the backdrop of the long-running disputes between India and Nepal over the Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura regions. Shah said the issue has existed since the departure of the British administration from the region and noted that Nepal had consulted both the United Kingdom and China regarding the matter. He stated that India and Nepal had agreed to undertake a comprehensive study of the disputed areas and work toward a solution through diplomatic dialogue, with the assistance of historians, surveyors, and other experts, in a friendly and cooperative manner.
However, the prime minister’s acknowledgment that Nepal had occupied certain Indian territories drew strong criticism from opposition parties. Critics accused Shah of undermining Nepal’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, arguing that his remarks reflected a conciliatory stance toward India. The issue quickly escalated into a major political controversy, with widespread criticism and anger surfacing across social media platforms.
As the backlash intensified, Nepal’s Foreign Ministry issued an official clarification in an effort to contain the controversy. The ministry stated that the prime minister’s remarks referred only to certain settlements that had emerged across the border and to localized encroachments in uninhabited areas on both sides. It emphasized that Shah’s comments were not related to Nepal’s official territorial claims or national sovereignty and clarified that they should not be interpreted as a change in the country’s position on border issues.
The clarification was issued amid growing political pressure, as the government sought to address concerns raised by opposition parties and sections of the public over the prime minister’s remarks. The episode has added a fresh dimension to the sensitive border issue, which has remained a point of contention between India and Nepal for decades.