Nepal PM Sparks Political Row with Remark on Encroachment of Indian Territory

Kathmandu, May 2026 : Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah triggered a major political controversy on Sunday after stating in Parliament that Nepal had not only faced territorial encroachment from India but had also encroached upon Indian land in several places.

The remarks came during Shah’s first formal address to the Nepal Parliament since assuming office. The Prime Minister, who had previously faced criticism from opposition parties for avoiding direct interactions with lawmakers, personally responded to a series of questions on key national issues, including the long-standing border dispute between Nepal and India.

The controversy erupted when Shah was questioned about Nepal’s claim over the disputed regions of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani, areas that have remained a sensitive issue in India-Nepal relations for decades. Both countries claim sovereignty over the territories, although the region has remained under Indian administration for many years.

Responding to the query, Shah made an unexpected statement that immediately drew strong reactions from lawmakers.

“After becoming Prime Minister, I came to know that not only has India encroached on Nepal’s land, but Nepal has also encroached on India’s land in multiple places,” he said, adding that both nations should engage in dialogue and jointly examine the issue.

However, the Prime Minister did not elaborate on where Nepal had allegedly encroached upon Indian territory. His remarks prompted immediate objections from opposition leaders, who demanded clarification and sought details regarding the areas he was referring to. Several lawmakers even urged Speaker D P Aryal to expunge the statement from the parliamentary record.

The comments added a fresh dimension to an already sensitive border dispute that has periodically strained relations between the two neighbouring countries. The Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh issue has remained a major point of contention, particularly after Nepal released a revised political map in 2020 incorporating the disputed territories.

During the parliamentary session, Shah also addressed concerns regarding the resumption of the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage route through Lipulekh following an understanding between India and China. He informed lawmakers that Nepal had formally conveyed its concerns to India through diplomatic channels and had received a response.

According to the Prime Minister, India’s reply indicated a willingness to pursue dialogue aimed at resolving the border issue. He said both governments were considering the formation of expert teams comprising historians, surveyors and territorial specialists to study the matter and seek a mutually acceptable solution through negotiations.

“The response states that both governments will form teams consisting of historians, surveyors and experts familiar with the territory and work toward a resolution through table talks,” Shah said.

In another notable revelation, the Prime Minister disclosed that Nepal had engaged not only with India and China but also with the United Kingdom regarding the border dispute. The statement marked what is believed to be the first public acknowledgment by Nepal that discussions had been held with the UK on the matter.

Shah argued that Britain has a historical connection to the issue because the roots of the dispute date back to treaties and boundary arrangements established during the era of British India.

“We have spoken not only with India and China but also with the UK government. Our position is that the UK should also take an interest, as the dispute has its origins in the period when British India existed,” he said.

The remarks have generated significant debate within Nepal’s political circles and are expected to influence discussions on foreign policy and border management in the coming weeks.

The controversy also comes ahead of the scheduled June 1–2 visit of Rabi Lamichhane, president of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), to India. Meanwhile, uncertainty continues to surround a potential visit by Prime Minister Shah himself, with no official confirmation yet regarding his proposed trip.

Team Maverick.