Kathmandu: A recent statement by Balendra Shah has stirred political reactions in Nepal and brought the sensitive India-Nepal border issue back into discussion.
Speaking on the long-standing border concerns, Shah acknowledged that the situation may not be entirely one-sided. He indicated that while Nepal has consistently raised objections over certain areas it believes are under Indian control, there are also instances where Nepali activities have extended into Indian territory.
The remark did not go down well with many opposition leaders, who criticised it as a deviation from Nepal’s firm stance on disputed regions like Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura. These areas have been at the centre of disagreements between the two countries for years.
At the same time, Shah emphasised the importance of resolving the issue through dialogue rather than confrontation. He pointed out that the roots of the dispute lie in historical agreements dating back to the early 19th century, particularly the Treaty of Sugauli, which continues to influence boundary interpretations today.
Following the controversy, Nepal’s Foreign Ministry stepped in to clarify that there has been no change in the country’s official position. According to officials, Shah’s comments were meant to highlight practical challenges in border areas, especially in “no-man’s land” zones where shifting river courses and local settlements often blur boundaries.
India has not officially responded to the remarks so far. However, the episode has once again underlined how complex and sensitive the India-Nepal border issue remains, despite the close cultural and economic ties shared by the two neighbours.
