Nepal PM Reignites Border Dispute

Nepal PM Reignites Border Dispute

Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah, in his first formal address to the Federal Parliament on Sunday, June 1, 2026, stated that Nepal has encroached on Indian territory in multiple locations, departing from Nepal's traditional stance of accusing India of encroachment. This statement has reignited a long-standing border dispute between the two nations, particularly concerning the Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani regions.

Shah, who assumed office earlier this year, indicated that both countries should collaboratively study historical facts to resolve the issue. The dispute originates from the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, which defined Nepal's western border with British India but lacked precise cartographic details regarding the Kali River's origin. India maintains that revenue records from the 1830s demonstrate its historical administration of the region, with Indian troops deployed in Kalapani since the 1962 Sino-Indian War.

The Prime Minister's comments have drawn criticism from some Nepali lawmakers. Concurrently, Rabi Lamichhane, a lawmaker from Shah's Rastriya Swatantra Party (RSP), is in New Delhi for high-level talks with India's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Nepal has also sought assistance from China and the United Kingdom, specifically requesting historical survey maps from the UK to support its claims in future negotiations with India.