Nepal Seeks International Help to Address Border Dispute with India
On Sunday, Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah urged the involvement of China and the UK in resolving a long-standing border dispute with India. He acknowledged that there have been claims from both sides regarding territorial encroachments.
The 36-year-old rapper-turned-politician shared these views while responding to questions in Parliament, highlighting the ongoing tensions over regions such as Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani. Earlier this month, India dismissed Nepal’s claims to these areas.
In response to questions about plans for border trade between India and China through Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura, Shah emphasized the need for diplomatic solutions. “We should address these matters at the negotiating table,” he noted.
Nepal has already sent a formal diplomatic note to India regarding these disputed areas. In reply, India suggested forming teams of historians and experts to facilitate dialogue and find an agreement, which Shah mentioned during his televised remarks in Nepali.
Shah also indicated that Nepal is in discussions with China and the UK about the border situation. He stated, “Since this issue dates back to when British India left the region, it is our view that England should also take part in discussions.”
As of now, there has been no official response from Indian authorities regarding Shah’s statements. The territories in question lie along the border between India and China, which are planning to restart border trade through Lipulekh Pass soon, ending a six-year hiatus.
In further comments during Parliament, Shah pointed out that both India and Nepal have encroached on each other’s territories. “After becoming Prime Minister, I learned that there have been areas where we have also encroached into India,” he explained. “We need to come together and examine this issue.”
Earlier this month, the Nepali government also sent notes to India and China, raising concerns over the route for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage, which passes through Lipulekh Pass—a region claimed by Nepal.
In response, Indian external affairs ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that India views Nepal’s territorial claims as unfounded and stressed the importance of constructive dialogue to resolve any outstanding border issues.
The pilgrimage through Lipulekh is set to take place from June to August this year, continuing a tradition from previous years.
