MoFA Defends PM’s Border Remarks, Cites ‘Cross-Border Occupation’ Reality

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has clarified that Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s recent remarks in Parliament suggesting that “in some places Nepal may also be using Indian land” were related to the issue of “cross-border occupation” observed in certain areas along the Nepal–India border.

In a statement issued on Sunday, the ministry explained that the Nepal–India boundary in riverine areas was determined based on the “fixed boundary principle,” resulting in situations where citizens of one country are farming or residing on land that technically falls within the territory of the other country.

The ministry said technical studies have shown that in some locations, land currently being used by Nepal may lie on the Indian side of the border, while land being used by India may fall within Nepal’s territory. It stated that the Prime Minister’s remarks in Parliament were linked to this technical reality.

Prime Minister Shah had made the comments while responding to lawmakers’ questions regarding the Kalapani–Lipulekh border dispute, triggering widespread political debate.

Reiterating Nepal’s position, the ministry stated that the government remains committed to resolving border-related disputes with India through historical treaties, maps, and diplomatic dialogue.

According to the ministry, mapping work remains pending in the areas of Susta and Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani along the Nepal–India border. Apart from these areas, issues related to encroachment of the no-man’s land (Dasgaja) and cross-border occupation persist in several other locations.

The statement further noted that Nepal and India’s border mechanisms and technical teams are currently engaged in constructing and repairing boundary pillars and collecting data on Dasgaja encroachment and cross-border land use.

The ministry also said that the long-stalled technical committee has resumed its work and is jointly compiling records related to border management issues.