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Nepal's Prime Minister Balendra Shah has stirred controversy by stating that Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory, a departure from the usual stance that focuses on India's occupation of disputed land. The remarks, made during a parliamentary address on May 31, 2026, have triggered protests and parliamentary disruptions in Nepal, while India has reiterated its position on the border dispute.

Coverage Comparison

Al Jazeera reported that Shah, in his first formal address to the Federal Parliament since becoming prime minister, said he was surprised to learn that "not only has India encroached Nepali territory, but Nepal has also encroached Indian territory in many places." The outlet noted that this was a departure from Nepal's usual stance and sparked anger among lawmakers. The Hindu's coverage highlighted the parliamentary uproar and the demands from opposition lawmakers for clarification and removal of the remarks from the record. Both outlets provided context on the longstanding dispute over the territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura, which are claimed by both countries.

The Hindu also reported that Nepal's Upper House of Parliament was adjourned on June 3 due to opposition protests against Shah's remarks, with lawmakers demanding an apology and the withdrawal of the statement from parliamentary records. Al Jazeera's reporting focused on the broader implications of Shah's comments, noting that they represent a shift in Nepal's approach to the border issue.

Key Claims

  • Prime Minister Balendra Shah stated that Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory in many places, a claim that he said he learned only after becoming prime minister. This statement was reported by both Al Jazeera and The Hindu.
  • The border dispute between Nepal and India involves the territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura, which are claimed by both countries. This was reported by multiple sources.
  • Nepal has objected to the resumption of India-China trade through the Lipulekh Pass, and India has responded positively to Nepal's diplomatic note, with both sides agreeing to address the issue through dialogue, as reported by The Hindu.
  • India rejected Nepal's objection to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route through Lipulekh Pass, describing Kathmandu's territorial claim as 'unjustified' and 'influenced by unilateral artificial enlargement.' This was reported by The Hindu.
  • The Upper House of Nepal's Parliament was adjourned due to opposition protest against Prime Minister Shah's remarks, as reported by The Hindu.
  • India has rejected any role for 'third parties' to resolve its boundary row with Nepal, as reported by The Hindu.

Perspectives

Nepal Government

Prime Minister Balendra Shah has suggested that both countries should examine the facts objectively and resolve the matter amicably as friends, indicating a willingness to address the issue through diplomatic channels. He also mentioned that Nepal has taken up the matter with China and the United Kingdom.

Opposition in Nepal

Lawmakers from the Nepali Congress and the Nepal Communist Party have demanded that the Prime Minister clarify where Nepal has encroached on Indian territory and have called for his remarks to be expunged from parliamentary records. They argue that the statement could damage national integrity and is a serious and objectionable matter.

India

India has categorically rejected any role for 'third parties' in resolving the boundary dispute and has dismissed Nepal's territorial claims as 'unjustified' and 'influenced by unilateral artificial enlargement.' India has also rejected Nepal's objection to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra route through Lipulekh Pass.