Nepal PM Clarifies Remarks, Says No British Mediation Sought in Border Dispute with India

Kathmandu, June 2026 : Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah on Sunday clarified his earlier comments regarding the United Kingdom’s possible involvement in the Nepal-India border dispute, stating unequivocally that Kathmandu is not seeking British mediation and remains committed to resolving all outstanding boundary issues through direct dialogue with its neighbours.

The clarification came weeks after Shah’s remarks in Parliament sparked political debate and criticism from opposition parties, foreign policy experts, and border analysts in Nepal. During his first appearance in the House of Representatives on May 31, the Prime Minister had suggested that Britain could take an interest in the issue because historical records dating back to the colonial era were relevant to the dispute.

At the time, Shah had noted that Nepal had held discussions not only with India and China but had also referred to records maintained by the British government from the period when British India administered the region. He had argued that since the roots of the dispute extended to that era, Britain should show interest in the matter, while emphasizing that all issues should ultimately be settled through dialogue and diplomatic negotiations.

The remarks triggered controversy both within Nepal and abroad, with critics interpreting them as a call for third-party involvement in a sensitive bilateral issue. Shah also faced criticism for acknowledging that Nepal had encroached on Indian territory in some areas, despite Kathmandu’s longstanding complaints regarding alleged Indian encroachment.

Addressing the inaugural session of the General Convention of the Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP) in Chitwan on Sunday, Shah sought to remove any ambiguity surrounding his earlier statements.

“We possess evidence regarding Kalapani and Lipulekh,” the Prime Minister said. “What I meant was that if historical records from the period of British rule are required, we are prepared to present them. We are not seeking British mediation.”

Reaffirming Nepal’s position, Shah stressed that the country intends to resolve all border-related matters independently through discussions with neighbouring countries and on the basis of documented evidence.

“We will settle these issues ourselves through dialogue with our neighbours. We have the necessary evidence,” he said. “No one should have any doubts about my nationalism.”

The border dispute between India and Nepal has remained one of the most sensitive issues in bilateral relations for decades. The disagreement centres on the territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura, areas claimed by both countries. While the region is currently administered by India, Nepal maintains that the territories form an integral part of its sovereign land.

Both New Delhi and Kathmandu have consistently stated that unresolved boundary questions should be addressed through established diplomatic channels and mutual consultations.

India had responded swiftly to Shah’s earlier comments. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) reiterated that border issues between the two countries are strictly bilateral matters and do not require the involvement of any third party.

Earlier this month, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal underlined India’s position, stating that existing bilateral mechanisms remain the appropriate framework for resolving all outstanding boundary concerns.

“We have established bilateral mechanisms to resolve border issues,” Jaiswal said. “Whatever bilateral matters exist between India and Nepal, no third party has any role in them.”

Shah’s original remarks had also drawn attention because they coincided with the visit of Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane to India in early June at the invitation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

With Sunday’s clarification, the Nepal Prime Minister sought to reaffirm Kathmandu’s commitment to bilateral diplomacy, emphasizing that historical records may serve as evidence in discussions but do not imply a request for international mediation in the long-standing border dispute with India.

(The content of this article is sourced from a news agency and has not been edited by the Mavericknews30 team.)