Prime Minister’s Inaccurate Statement Weakens Nepal’s Stance in Border Dispute with India
During a question-and-answer session with lawmakers in the House of Representatives, Prime Minister Balendra Shah remarked that “Nepal has also encroached on India’s border” concerning issues related to the border with India. This statement has sparked tensions in political and diplomatic circles and raised questions about diplomatic competence. In a conversation with Neelambar Acharya, a member of the Nepal-India Eminent Persons Group (EPG) formed to identify problems and explore solutions between Nepal and India and former ambassador to India, Acharya said, “The Prime Minister addressed the parliament today and responded to a question by stating, ‘Nepal has also encroached on India’s territory.’”
Acharya added, “In the context of border issues, there is no situation where Nepal has deployed its military or security personnel into Indian territory. On the contrary, such actions are evident by the Indian side in Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura areas.” He emphasized, “The serious encroachment in Kalapani and Limpiyadhura should not be equated with ordinary land disputes among local inhabitants in other border areas.”
Describing the Prime Minister’s statement as a negative diplomatic signal, Acharya said, “Nepal has consistently maintained a firm stance that ‘India has encroached on Nepali land,’ but such comments by the Prime Minister could undermine the border dispute resolution process and weaken Nepal’s diplomatic position.” He stressed, “Diplomatically, making such statements in a dignified forum like parliament without presenting evidence can be considered a failure.”
Acharya underscored that historic documents and diplomatic dialogue must be the sole basis for resolving the border dispute. He said, “The EPG’s report is safely held by the Nepalese coordinator, Dr. Bhees Bahadur Thapa, and a copy is also deposited at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.” The issues addressed therein are clear and have been prepared with the full consensus of representatives from both countries.
