Kathmandu, June 21: Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah addressed his earlier comments regarding the potential role of the United Kingdom in resolving the India-Nepal border dispute. He emphasized that Nepal does not seek British mediation.
During a parliamentary session on May 31, Shah responded to questions from lawmakers, stating that Nepal has engaged in discussions not only with India and China but also with the British government, as they possess historical records from the British colonial era.
Shah remarked, “We believe that the UK should also take an interest in this matter, as it relates to the time when British India was under their rule. Therefore, all these issues should be resolved through dialogue and diplomatic negotiations.”
Additionally, Shah acknowledged that while Nepal has long accused India of encroachment, it has also encroached upon Indian territory. His statement faced criticism from opposition parties, foreign policy experts, and border issue specialists.
On Sunday, addressing the inaugural session of the National Independent Party (RSP) convention in southern Chitwan district, Shah clarified his previous remarks. He stated, “We have evidence regarding Kalapani and Lipulekh. What I meant was that if the need arises to present records from the British colonial period, we are prepared to do so. We do not want British mediation.”
He reiterated that Nepal aims to resolve border-related issues directly with its neighboring countries based on facts.
Shah asserted, “We will resolve these matters through discussions with our neighbors. We have evidence. There should be no doubt about my nationalism.”
The border dispute has been a significant contentious issue in India-Nepal relations for decades. Both countries claim the Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani regions. Currently, these areas are under India’s administrative control, but Nepal has long asserted them as its sovereign territory. Both nations agree that pending border disputes should be resolved through diplomatic dialogue and mutual understanding.
In response to Shah’s earlier comments, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) stated that there is no role for a third party in resolving border disputes between India and Nepal. The ministry emphasized that the existing bilateral mechanisms between the two countries are the appropriate means to address such issues.
In early June, MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal mentioned that both countries are working towards resolving border-related matters within an established framework.
Jaiswal stated, “We have established bilateral mechanisms for resolving border-related issues. There is no role for a third party in any bilateral matters between India and Nepal.”
Shah’s comments have somewhat overshadowed the recent visit of RSP President Rabi Lamichhane to India, which was made at the invitation of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
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