'Nepal Encroached Indian Territory': Massive Row Over Balen Shah's Maiden Address In Parliament
'Nepal Encroached Indian Territory': Massive Row Over Balen Shah's Maiden Address In Parliament Published By, Last Updated: June 01, 2026, 13:06 IST Nepal PM Balen
'Nepal Encroached Indian Territory': Massive Row Over Balen Shah's Maiden Address In Parliament Published By, Last Updated: June 01, 2026, 13:06 IST Nepal PM Balen Shah triggered a massive political storm in his country by suggesting that Nepal had also encroached on Indian territory. Rapid Read Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah. Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah triggered a massive political storm at home after claiming that the country has also encroached on Indian territory, despite Kathmandu’s repeated allegations over alleged Indian encroachment. During his maiden address to the Nepal Assembly, Shah sparked an uproar by saying, “You might find it strange, but I also learned only recently — after becoming prime minister — that it’s not just India, Nepal too has encroached upon Indian territory in many places. Both countries should study the facts and resolve the issue as friends." Shah’s remarks came amid a long-standing dispute between India and Nepal over parts of their boundary, particularly the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh region in the west and Susta in the south.
This has remained a sore point in bilateral relations. Balen Shah Faces Strong Criticism Balen Shah’s latest remarks stirred a hornet’s nest in Nepal, with opposition lawmakers demanding that his remarks be expunged. Nepalese diplomats and experts claimed that Nepal has not encroached upon Indian territory in the way the prime minister suggested in Parliament and called for more clarification. Nepal’s former ambassador to India, Nilambar Acharya, highlighted that India itself had never officially complained about Nepal occupying Indian territory, and that 97% of the border issues have already been resolved. ALSO READ: ‘We Are Ready To Talk To Them’: MEA Dismisses Nepal’s Lipulekh Claim As ‘Untenable’ Another e ambassador of Nepal to India, Deep Kumar Upadhyay, said Nepal’s encroachment on India’s territory is not documented in any record. Border analysts, foreign affairs experts and social media users said Shah’s remarks undermined Nepal’s long-standing position on the border dispute with India and weakened Kathmandu’s stance in future negotiations.
Nepali Congress Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma said, “The prime minister of a country should think a dozen times before speaking. Restraint and maturity are even more essential when dealing with sensitive diplomatic issues." Govt Goes Into Damage Control Mode Meanwhile, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a clarification on Balen Shah’s remarks, saying the issue raised by the PM was primarily related to encroachment in the Dasgaja area and “cross-border occupation." “Because Nepal and India adopted the Fixed Boundary Principle in river-border areas during boundary demarcation, situations have arisen where citizens of one country cultivate land or reside on land that falls within the territory of the other country," it said. Shah also said in his Assembly address that diplomatic notes have been sent to India and China over the Lipulekh issue. The Nepal Prime Minister said he had already approached the UK government for pre-1947 historical records, arguing that the origins of the dispute lie in the era of British India.
He said Nepal would seek a resolution through diplomatic channels and “table-top" talks with India, reiterating his commitment to dialogue rather than confrontation. The boundary dispute between India and Nepal is linked to differing interpretations of the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, signed between the Kingdom of Nepal and British India. Both countries have maintained their respective claims over the disputed areas. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit Location: Kathmandu, Nepal First Published: June 01, 2026, 12:59 IST News world 'Nepal Encroached Indian Territory': Massive Row Over Balen Shah's Maiden Address In Parliament Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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