Kathmandu–Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s remark that Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory has triggered political and diplomatic reactions in both Nepal and India.
During Sunday’s meeting of the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Shah said that Nepal had also encroached on Indian land in several areas.“You may find this surprising. I also realised after becoming Prime Minister that India has not only encroached on Nepal’s land, but Nepal has also encroached on India’s land in many places,” Prime Minister Shah said.
At home, Shah is facing backlash from across the political spectrum. The remarks have also created ripples in India. Most Indian media outlets on Monday prominently covered Shah’s statement that Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory.
BBC Hindi quoted the Prime Minister’s remarks, reporting that Nepal has also encroached on Indian land.
The Indian Express noted that the Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura regions have long been a point of dispute between Nepal and India, with both countries claiming sovereignty over these areas. It added that India maintains these territories are part of Uttarakhand and has consistently stated that the issue should be resolved through bilateral dialogue.
India Today also reported, citing Shah’s remarks that India’s position remains that the border dispute should be resolved through mutual understanding.
Republic reported that after the Prime Minister’s comments suggesting mutual encroachment, the Lipulekh–Kalapani issue has once again come into focus. It also said opposition parties and former diplomats have demanded that the Prime Minister either present evidence supporting his claim or issue an apology.
“The statement by Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah has created political waves in Kathmandu and drawn significant attention in New Delhi,” reported The Statesman.
Similarly, The Economic Times said that the Nepal–India border dispute involving Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura has persisted for a long time with both countries maintaining their respective claims. It added that India continues to assert these areas are part of Uttarakhand and believes the issue should be resolved through bilateral dialogue.
Times Now News reported that Prime Minister Shah emphasised the need for diplomatic efforts and negotiations to resolve the Nepal–India border dispute, suggesting that discussions involving historians and experts from both countries could help settle the issue amicably, promoting a cooperative rather than confrontational approach.
His response in Parliament made after long-standing demands from the opposition has itself become controversial. The remark suggesting that not only India but also Nepal has encroached on each other’s territory has sparked widespread debate.
His comments regarding discussions with the United Kingdom over Nepal–India border issues have also drawn criticism.
Opposition parties, experts on diplomacy and border specialists have objected to the statement, calling it inaccurate and inappropriate.
There has also been public backlash on social media with many saying the Prime Minister spoke on a highly sensitive issue without sufficient factual basis.
