Nepal Seeks Wider Support to Resolve Border Dispute with India
In a recent address to the Nepalese Parliament, Prime Minister Balendra Shah highlighted the ongoing border dispute with India and shared plans to include the United Kingdom in discussions. This statement marks his first appearance before Parliament since taking office.
Shah emphasized the need for dialogue and diplomacy to tackle the disagreement over the Lipulekh Pass. He mentioned the involvement of China and the UK in the matter, asserting that historical ties from the British colonial era should make the UK’s participation relevant. “We have discussed with both India and China, but we believe the UK should also be involved,” he stated.
The Prime Minister also pointed out that Nepal has encroached upon Indian land in certain areas, acknowledging, “I learned that while India has claimed parts of our territory, we have also crossed into India in multiple locations.” He reassured that the government is committed to resolving these disputes through peaceful discussions with New Delhi.
Understanding the Lipulekh Pass Dispute
The Lipulekh Pass has long been a contentious issue between India and Nepal. The dispute intensified in 2020 when then-Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli sought to address growing internal pressures by focusing on the border issue. This led to Nepal releasing a new political map that included Limpiyadhura, Kalapani, and Lipulekh, claiming them as part of Nepal based on the Sugauli Treaty of 1816.
India responded by condemning Nepal’s “unilateral act,” insisting that border conflicts should be addressed through diplomatic channels. Tensions flared further when India and China resumed the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra, a pilgrimage that depends on the Lipulekh Pass, after a long hiatus.
In August 2025, Nepal officially objected to the resumption of trade through the Lipulekh route, renewing its territorial claims over the area.
India’s Position on the Matter
India has firmly rejected Nepal’s claims regarding the Lipulekh Pass. Randeep Jaiswal, a spokesperson for the Ministry of External Affairs, reiterated that India’s stance has always been clear. “The Lipulekh Pass has been the traditional route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954, and this is not a new issue,” he stated.
Jaiswal criticized Nepal’s claims, labeling them as “unjustified and unsupported by historical evidence.” India maintains that these boundaries must be recognized and respected for lasting peace and stability in the region.
