Nepal pushes fresh border talks
Prime Minister of Nepal Balendra Shah has revealed that his country has discussed the India border dispute with the British Government, suggesting that formal negotiations involving historical boundary records may be necessary to resolve the longstanding territorial issue.
Addressing the House of Representatives on Sunday, Shah said Nepal and India are considering holding official talks on disputed territories, including Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura. He noted that discussions have also taken place with the British Government, whose colonial-era maps and agreements remain relevant to the border question.
“There has been talk of holding table talks on the land issue,” Shah told lawmakers. “We have also discussed this with the British Government. Table talks need to happen on this matter.”
The Prime Minister said the Indian Government has responded to Nepal’s communication regarding the disputed areas and that diplomatic efforts are ongoing to find a mutually acceptable solution.
In a notable remark, Shah also claimed that the border issue is not entirely one-sided, stating that Nepal has encroached on Indian territory in some locations as well.
“After becoming Prime Minister, I found out that it is not only India; Nepal has also encroached on India’s land,” he said. “Both sides will need to sit down and look into this matter.”
The comments come amid continued debate over the status of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani, territories claimed by Nepal but administered by India. Successive Nepali Governments have maintained that historical treaties and maps support Nepal’s claim to the disputed areas.
Shah emphasized that dialogue and diplomatic engagement remain the only viable path toward resolving the border dispute and strengthening relations between the two neighbouring countries.
