Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah sparked controversy on Sunday after stating in Parliament that he had learned about Nepal “encroaching” on territories in India while responding to questions on a long-standing border dispute between the two countries.
Making his first appearance in the ongoing parliamentary session that began on May 11, Shah said Nepal and India had agreed to involve historians, surveyors and other experts in efforts to resolve border-related issues. He also noted that Kathmandu had raised the matter with China and the United Kingdom.
The remarks quickly drew attention and triggered debate, with critics questioning the Prime Minister’s choice of words regarding the sensitive border issue.
Hours later, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nepal issued a clarification, stating that Shah’s comments referred to encroachments and occupations in “no-man’s land” areas along the border and not to any claim that Nepal had occupied Indian territory.
The ministry emphasized that the Prime Minister’s remarks were related to cross-border issues in disputed frontier zones and should not be interpreted as an admission of territorial encroachment by Nepal into India.
India and Nepal share an open border, and several boundary issues, including disputes over areas such as Kalapani and Lipulekh, have remained unresolved for years.
