'Nepal Encroached Indian Territory': Massive Row Over Balen Shah's Maiden Address In Parliament

Last Updated:June 01, 2026, 12:59 IST

Nepal PM Balen Shah triggered a massive political storm in his country by suggesting that Nepal had also encroached on Indian territory.

Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah triggered a massive political storm at home after claiming that the country has also encroached on Indian territory, despite Kathmandu’s repeated allegations over alleged Indian encroachment.

During his maiden address to the Nepal Assembly, Shah sparked an uproar by saying, “You might find it strange, but I also learned only recently — after becoming prime minister — that it’s not just India, Nepal too has encroached upon Indian territory in many places. Both countries should study the facts and resolve the issue as friends."

Shah’s remarks came amid a long-standing dispute between India and Nepal over parts of their boundary, particularly the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh region in the west and Susta in the south. This has remained a sore point in bilateral relations.

Shah Faces Strong Criticism

Balen Shah’s latest remarks stirred a hornet’s nest in Nepal, with opposition lawmakers demanding that his remarks be expunged. Nepalese diplomats and experts claimed that Nepal has not encroached upon Indian territory in the way the prime minister suggested in Parliament and called for more clarification.

Nepal’s former ambassador to India, Nilambar Acharya, highlighted that India itself had never officially complained about Nepal occupying Indian territory, and that 97% of the border issues have already been resolved.

Another ex-ambassador of Nepal to India, Deep Kumar Upadhyay, said Nepal’s encroachment on India’s territory is not documented in any record. Border analysts, foreign affairs experts and social media users said Shah’s remarks undermined Nepal’s long-standing position on the border dispute with India and weakened Kathmandu’s stance in future negotiations.

Nepali Congress Vice President Bishwa Prakash Sharma said, “The prime minister of a country should think a dozen times before speaking. Restraint and maturity are even more essential when dealing with sensitive diplomatic issues."

News world 'Nepal Encroached Indian Territory': Massive Row Over Balen Shah's Maiden Address In Parliament

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