'Border Issue With India Will Be Resolved Through Diplomacy': Nepal PM In First Parliament Address

Last Updated:May 31, 2026, 14:43 IST

The boundary dispute is linked to differing interpretations of the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, signed between the Kingdom of Nepal and British India.

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Sunday addressed the Nepal Parliament for the first time since assuming office following the March elections, stressing that outstanding border disputes with India would be resolved through diplomatic engagement and dialogue.

Addressing lawmakers, Shah said, “The border issue with India will be resolved through table talks and diplomatic efforts," underscoring his government’s commitment to maintaining cordial ties with Nepal’s southern neighbour while pursuing a peaceful settlement of longstanding territorial disagreements.

The Prime Minister said Nepal would continue to prioritize diplomacy, mutual respect and constructive engagement in dealing with sensitive bilateral issues.

Long-Standing Border Disputes

India and Nepal share an open border of about 1,751 kilometres and maintain close cultural, economic and people-to-people ties.

However, the two neighbours have longstanding differences over parts of their boundary, particularly the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh region in the west and Susta in the south.

The boundary dispute is linked to differing interpretations of the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, signed between the Kingdom of Nepal and British India. Both countries have maintained their respective claims over the disputed areas.

Tensions over the Kalapani sector intensified in 2020 after India inaugurated a road linking Dharchula in Uttarakhand to Lipulekh Pass, a route used for the Kailash Mansarovar pilgrimage. Nepal subsequently released a revised official map showing Kalapani, Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura within its territory and later endorsed the map through a constitutional amendment.

India has maintained that the areas belong to India and has consistently said that all outstanding boundary issues should be addressed through existing bilateral mechanisms and diplomatic dialogue. Both countries have held discussions on boundary matters through established diplomatic channels in the past.

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