Can Nepal outsource its own responsibility towards the Himalayas?&nbsp;Well, apparently, it has.&nbsp;&nbsp;Even as families are still coming to terms with the tragedy, the Balendra Shah government has written to India, China and the United States to take blame for the recent flash floods, and pay compensation, instead of sending aid.&nbsp;So, even as people suffer, Nepal doesn't want help. It needs accountability.&nbsp;Is Nepal right in doing so?&nbsp;Well, Nepal is right about one thing: the Himalayan climate crisis is real, and it is human-made.&nbsp;&nbsp;But Kathmandu's demand for climate reparations cannot absolve it of responsibility.&nbsp;The uncomfortable question Nepal must answer is this: what has Kathmandu itself done to protect the ecological system from which it earns billions of dollars in tourism, hydropower and other economic activity?&nbsp;Take, for instance, Mount Everest. Nepal has long known that the world's highest mountain is being subjected to extraordinary commercial pressure. Yet the response has too often been to raise permit prices rather than impose stricter rules. Overcrowding happens every year, despite a cap on the number of permits.&nbsp;Veteran sherpas have repeatedly argued for a ceiling of 250 climbers, yet thousands of people end up at Mount Everest, generating enormous quantities of waste and putting additional pressure on an extremely fragile environment.&nbsp;Nepal possesses enormous hydropower potential and is actively seeking foreign investment to exploit it. And it has Chinese companies investing in it. Indian companies also have investments.&nbsp;But are other countries invading and forcing themselves in? No. Nepal makes decisions about which projects to approve, which companies to invite, which environmental assessments to conduct and which rivers and valleys to develop.&nbsp;If Kathmandu believes that Himalayan countries deserve compensation because they are disproportionately exposed to climate change, then the next logical step is for Nepal to become a model of Himalayan environmental governance. Limit tourism, impose scientific rules, enforce waste rules rather than merely announcing them, and conduct environmental assessments for hydropower and infrastructure projects.&nbsp;The answer, therefore, is not to blame other countries immediately, when your own actions have contributed to your country's situation.&nbsp;Every country has a responsibility to support genuine climate finance, and avert global warming. but it is not a one-way street.&nbsp;&nbsp;The Himalayas don't know political borders. All they know is how to respond to human exploitation.&nbsp;And that is exactly what they have done this time too.

Nepal has long known that the world's highest mountain, Mt. Everest, is being subjected to extraordinary commercial pressure. Yet the response has too often been to raise permit prices rather than impose stricter rules. Overcrowding happens every year, despite a cap on the number of permits.

Can Nepal outsource its own responsibility towards the Himalayas? Well, apparently, it has. Even as families are still coming to terms with the tragedy, the Balendra Shah government has written to India, China and the United States to take blame for the recent flash floods, and pay compensation, instead of sending aid. So, even as people suffer, Nepal doesn't want help. It needs accountability. Is Nepal right in doing so? Well, Nepal is right about one thing: the Himalayan climate crisis is real, and it is human-made. But Kathmandu's demand for climate reparations cannot absolve it of responsibility. The uncomfortable question Nepal must answer is this: what has Kathmandu itself done to protect the ecological system from which it earns billions of dollars in tourism, hydropower and other economic activity? Take, for instance, Mount Everest. Nepal has long known that the world's highest mountain is being subjected to extraordinary commercial pressure. Yet the response has too often been to raise permit prices rather than impose stricter rules. Overcrowding happens every year, despite a cap on the number of permits. Veteran sherpas have repeatedly argued for a ceiling of 250 climbers, yet thousands of people end up at Mount Everest, generating enormous quantities of waste and putting additional pressure on an extremely fragile environment. Nepal possesses enormous hydropower potential and is actively seeking foreign investment to exploit it. And it has Chinese companies investing in it. Indian companies also have investments. But are other countries invading and forcing themselves in? No. Nepal makes decisions about which projects to approve, which companies to invite, which environmental assessments to conduct and which rivers and valleys to develop. If Kathmandu believes that Himalayan countries deserve compensation because they are disproportionately exposed to climate change, then the next logical step is for Nepal to become a model of Himalayan environmental governance. Limit tourism, impose scientific rules, enforce waste rules rather than merely announcing them, and conduct environmental assessments for hydropower and infrastructure projects. The answer, therefore, is not to blame other countries immediately, when your own actions have contributed to your country's situation. Every country has a responsibility to support genuine climate finance, and avert global warming. but it is not a one-way street. The Himalayas don't know political borders. All they know is how to respond to human exploitation. And that is exactly what they have done this time too.

Nepal has long known that the world's highest mountain, Mt. Everest, is being subjected to extraordinary commercial pressure. Yet the response has too often been to raise permit prices rather than impose stricter rules. Overcrowding happens every year, despite a cap on the number of permits.

The Verdict | Nepal wants climate reparations, but what about its own responsibility?

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah is likely to continue wearing his signature dark sunglasses inside the national legislature after officials cited medical reasons for the eyewear, despite an earlier request from the Parliament Speaker to avoid wearing dark glasses in the chamber.&nbsp;The 36-year-old rapper-turned-politician, popularly known as “Balen”, has rarely appeared in public without his trademark rectangular sunglasses. The eyewear has become closely associated with his political image since he emerged as an unlikely political figure during the anger surrounding Nepal’s Gen Z uprising in 2025.<h3>Balen’s signature look gets medical exemption</h3>Shah has worn the dark glasses at campaign rallies, official engagements and even in his formal portrait after taking office as prime minister in March.&nbsp;Earlier this month, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal advised Shah against wearing dark glasses inside the chamber after members of the public criticised the practice as inappropriate for the national legislature.&nbsp;However, the prime minister appears to have received an exemption based on medical grounds.“A report has been submitted to the secretariat pointing to medical reasons for the respected prime minister to need sunglasses,” Parliament secretariat deputy spokesman Ananta Prasad Koirala quoted as saying by AFP.&nbsp;Koirala said Shah would be permitted to wear the sunglasses inside Parliament if he needs them for protection from bright light.&nbsp;Shah has maintained a low profile since taking office and is expected to attend a parliamentary session on Wednesday.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maharashtra-anti-conversion-law-new-rules-trigger-debate-over-religious-freedom-and-prayer-meetings-1787661010643">Maharashtra anti-conversion law: New rules trigger debate over religious freedom and prayer meetings</a>&nbsp;Shah’s dark rectangular sunglasses, often worn with an all-black outfit, have become a defining part of his public persona. He began wearing the look prominently during his successful campaign to become Kathmandu mayor in 2022.&nbsp;The style has also gained popularity among his supporters, with shops selling similar eyewear under the name “Balen sunglasses” to customers looking to copy his appearance.&nbsp;However, Shah and his approach to governance have come under closer scrutiny as his government completes its first 150 days in office. Some observers believe he has lost part of the political appeal he carried when he first rose to prominence.

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has been allowed to wear his signature dark sunglasses in Parliament due to medical reasons, despite the Speaker’s earlier advice against wearing them in the chamber.

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah is likely to continue wearing his signature dark sunglasses inside the national legislature after officials cited medical reasons for the eyewear, despite an earlier request from the Parliament Speaker to avoid wearing dark glasses in the chamber. The 36-year-old rapper-turned-politician, popularly known as “Balen”, has rarely appeared in public without his trademark rectangular sunglasses. The eyewear has become closely associated with his political image since he emerged as an unlikely political figure during the anger surrounding Nepal’s Gen Z uprising in 2025. Balen’s signature look gets medical exemption Shah has worn the dark glasses at campaign rallies, official engagements and even in his formal portrait after taking office as prime minister in March. Earlier this month, Speaker Dol Prasad Aryal advised Shah against wearing dark glasses inside the chamber after members of the public criticised the practice as inappropriate for the national legislature. However, the prime minister appears to have received an exemption based on medical grounds. “A report has been submitted to the secretariat pointing to medical reasons for the respected prime minister to need sunglasses,” Parliament secretariat deputy spokesman Ananta Prasad Koirala quoted as saying by AFP. Koirala said Shah would be permitted to wear the sunglasses inside Parliament if he needs them for protection from bright light. Shah has maintained a low profile since taking office and is expected to attend a parliamentary session on Wednesday. Also Read: Maharashtra anti-conversion law: New rules trigger debate over religious freedom and prayer meetings Shah’s dark rectangular sunglasses, often worn with an all-black outfit, have become a defining part of his public persona. He began wearing the look prominently during his successful campaign to become Kathmandu mayor in 2022. The style has also gained popularity among his supporters, with shops selling similar eyewear under the name “Balen sunglasses” to customers looking to copy his appearance. However, Shah and his approach to governance have come under closer scrutiny as his government completes its first 150 days in office. Some observers believe he has lost part of the political appeal he carried when he first rose to prominence.

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah has been allowed to wear his signature dark sunglasses in Parliament due to medical reasons, despite the Speaker’s earlier advice against wearing them in the chamber.

Balen’s shades stay: Nepal PM allowed to wear signature sunglasses in Parliament. Here’s why

Nepal’s government has said that it cannot confirm whether it possesses the original signed 1816 Sugauli Treaty papers on the basis of which it has been laying claims to parts of the Indian territory. The treaty defined Nepal’s boundary with British India. The revelation is a setback to Nepal, which has been issuing statements on the Lipulekh-Kalapani-Limpiyadhura dispute with India.&nbsp;The Nepalese government has told its Parliament that it could not confirm whether it possessed the original 1816 Treaty of Sugauli papers.&nbsp;Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal indicated on the floor of Nepal’s Parliament’s lower house (Pratinidhi Sabha) that the government cannot confirm if it possesses the original document of the 1816 Sugauli Treaty.While some papers exist in the National Archives, extensive searches across state departments failed to locate the definitive, original signed document, the minister said.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bangladesh-s-power-crisis-worsens-seeks-help-from-india-as-long-outages-spark-outrage-1786626466299">Bangladesh’s power crisis worsens, seeks help from India as long outages spark outrage</a>&nbsp;A parliamentary enquiry searched archives, ministries, and museums but failed to locate the original treaty papers.&nbsp;Nepal claims that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani belong to it, while India maintains the areas are part of its Uttarakhand state.&nbsp;&nbsp;<h2>Dispute hinges on contrasting interpretations of Kali River’s origin</h2>&nbsp;The border dispute, which has repeatedly rocked bilateral ties, hinges substantially on the contrasting interpretations of where the Kali, or Mahakali, river originates because the treaty made the river Nepal’s western boundary.&nbsp;Former Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli turned the territorial dispute into a nationalist issue in 2020, when his government was in trouble. It published a new political map incorporating all three disputed areas and got it endorsed from Parliament through a constitutional amendment.&nbsp;India rejected the move as an “artificial enlargement” of Nepal’s territorial claims after which bilateral relations came under strain.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/houthis-attack-aramco-refinery-in-saudi-arabia-s-jizan-region-with-drones-1786643962330">Houthis attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Jizan region with drones</a>&nbsp;The revelation about missing original treaty papers comes months after Nepal’s new PM Balen Shah stirred a controversy. Balen Shah told the parliament, “After becoming prime minister, I came to know that not only has India encroached on Nepal’s land, but Nepal has also encroached on India’s land in multiple places.”&nbsp;When the statement became a talking point, Nepal’s foreign ministry clarified that the PM was referring to technical cross-border occupations and said Kathmandu’s position on the disputed territories remained unchanged.&nbsp;<h2>East India Company and Nepal signed treaty in 1816&nbsp;</h2>&nbsp;The 1816 Sugauli Treaty was signed between British-ruled India (East India Company) and Nepal after the Anglo-Nepalese War. Nepal had lost the war.&nbsp;The signatories of the treaty were Lieutenant Colonel Paris Bradshaw on behalf of the East India Company and Raj Guru Gajraj Mishra on behalf of the ruler of Nepal, King Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah.&nbsp;The India-Nepal border is now managed through the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950) and technical documents produced by joint bilateral working groups.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-could-prolong-war-until-trump-is-out-of-office-says-irgc-adviser-1786565790697">Iran could ‘prolong war’ until Trump is out of office, says IRGC adviser</a>&nbsp;The main dispute along the border is over the ‘Kalapani’ region in the Greater Himalayas which is within India’s borders. When the Home Ministry issued new maps in 2019, Nepal objected to the map, claiming it identifies the region as ‘an unsettled territory of the Darchula district’ within Nepal’s Sudurpashchim province.&nbsp;The India-Nepal border dispute intensified after the India-China agreement to reopen the Lipulekh Pass trade route. Nepal claimed that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani are its territories.&nbsp;Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Ministry later said that the unresolved border issues would be addressed through diplomatic dialogue and mutual understanding with India.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said in the Parliament that the government cannot confirm if it possesses the original 1816 Sugauli Treaty. Some papers exist in the National Archives, but searches across departments failed to locate the definitive, original signed document, he added.

Nepal’s government has said that it cannot confirm whether it possesses the original signed 1816 Sugauli Treaty papers on the basis of which it has been laying claims to parts of the Indian territory. The treaty defined Nepal’s boundary with British India. The revelation is a setback to Nepal, which has been issuing statements on the Lipulekh-Kalapani-Limpiyadhura dispute with India. The Nepalese government has told its Parliament that it could not confirm whether it possessed the original 1816 Treaty of Sugauli papers. Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal indicated on the floor of Nepal’s Parliament’s lower house (Pratinidhi Sabha) that the government cannot confirm if it possesses the original document of the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. While some papers exist in the National Archives, extensive searches across state departments failed to locate the definitive, original signed document, the minister said. Also Read: Bangladesh’s power crisis worsens, seeks help from India as long outages spark outrage A parliamentary enquiry searched archives, ministries, and museums but failed to locate the original treaty papers. Nepal claims that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani belong to it, while India maintains the areas are part of its Uttarakhand state. Dispute hinges on contrasting interpretations of Kali River’s origin The border dispute, which has repeatedly rocked bilateral ties, hinges substantially on the contrasting interpretations of where the Kali, or Mahakali, river originates because the treaty made the river Nepal’s western boundary. Former Nepal PM KP Sharma Oli turned the territorial dispute into a nationalist issue in 2020, when his government was in trouble. It published a new political map incorporating all three disputed areas and got it endorsed from Parliament through a constitutional amendment. India rejected the move as an “artificial enlargement” of Nepal’s territorial claims after which bilateral relations came under strain. Also Read: Houthis attack Aramco refinery in Saudi Arabia’s Jizan region with drones The revelation about missing original treaty papers comes months after Nepal’s new PM Balen Shah stirred a controversy. Balen Shah told the parliament, “After becoming prime minister, I came to know that not only has India encroached on Nepal’s land, but Nepal has also encroached on India’s land in multiple places.” When the statement became a talking point, Nepal’s foreign ministry clarified that the PM was referring to technical cross-border occupations and said Kathmandu’s position on the disputed territories remained unchanged. East India Company and Nepal signed treaty in 1816 The 1816 Sugauli Treaty was signed between British-ruled India (East India Company) and Nepal after the Anglo-Nepalese War. Nepal had lost the war. The signatories of the treaty were Lieutenant Colonel Paris Bradshaw on behalf of the East India Company and Raj Guru Gajraj Mishra on behalf of the ruler of Nepal, King Girvan Yuddha Bikram Shah. The India-Nepal border is now managed through the Indo-Nepal Treaty of Peace and Friendship (1950) and technical documents produced by joint bilateral working groups. Also Read: Iran could ‘prolong war’ until Trump is out of office, says IRGC adviser The main dispute along the border is over the ‘Kalapani’ region in the Greater Himalayas which is within India’s borders. When the Home Ministry issued new maps in 2019, Nepal objected to the map, claiming it identifies the region as ‘an unsettled territory of the Darchula district’ within Nepal’s Sudurpashchim province. The India-Nepal border dispute intensified after the India-China agreement to reopen the Lipulekh Pass trade route. Nepal claimed that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapani are its territories. Nepal’s Foreign Affairs Ministry later said that the unresolved border issues would be addressed through diplomatic dialogue and mutual understanding with India.

Nepal’s Foreign Minister Shisir Khanal said in the Parliament that the government cannot confirm if it possesses the original 1816 Sugauli Treaty. Some papers exist in the National Archives, but searches across departments failed to locate the definitive, original signed document, he added.

Nepal claims Indian territory, but its minister says the 210-year-old Sugauli Treaty is untraceable

Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah, who has maintained a strict protocol of meeting only his counterparts while refusing to sit for one-on-one meetings with foreign envoys, is set to break his self-imposed rule and meet the envoys from both India and China this week, The Kathmandu Post reported, citing aides and diplomatic sources.&nbsp;The decision comes shortly after his government, which came to power following Gen Z protests, completed 100 days in office. During this period, Shah repeatedly refused to meet foreign envoys individually and instead preferred joint meetings with ambassadors on April 9 and May 29.&nbsp;According to The Kathmandu Post, the dates for the meetings with the diplomats from New Delhi and Beijing have yet to be announced, with Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs working to make arrangements. However, to underscore that New Delhi and Beijing are equally important to Nepal, Shah is scheduled to meet Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming on the same day.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-s-eam-jaishankar-voices-strong-concern-over-seafarer-safety-in-talks-with-russian-fm-lavrov-1784715131857">India’s EAM Jaishankar voices ‘strong concern’ over seafarer safety in talks with Russian FM Lavrov</a>&nbsp;Shah not only avoided meetings with Nepal's neighbours but also turned down requests from the US Embassy in Kathmandu to meet US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Samir Paul Kapur and US President Donald Trump's special envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor.&nbsp;The move marked a departure from Nepal's traditional diplomatic engagement. In the past, newly elected prime ministers would meet foreign ambassadors individually at the Prime Minister's Office or their official residence within days of assuming office.&nbsp;The Nepali Prime Minister has also walked back on his policy of avoiding meetings with domestic stakeholders. He recently held engagements with members of the business community, including traders, contractors, industrialists and exporters.&nbsp;These decisions came after his government witnessed two rounds of protests in its first 100 days in office. One protest centred on the enforcement of customs duties at the Indo-Nepal border, while the other erupted after a ride-share driver's suicide sparked anger over police action.

Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah, who had so far avoided one-on-one meetings with foreign envoys and preferred joint meetings with ambassadors, is now set to meet the Indian and Chinese ambassadors individually.

Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah, who has maintained a strict protocol of meeting only his counterparts while refusing to sit for one-on-one meetings with foreign envoys, is set to break his self-imposed rule and meet the envoys from both India and China this week, The Kathmandu Post reported, citing aides and diplomatic sources. The decision comes shortly after his government, which came to power following Gen Z protests, completed 100 days in office. During this period, Shah repeatedly refused to meet foreign envoys individually and instead preferred joint meetings with ambassadors on April 9 and May 29. According to The Kathmandu Post, the dates for the meetings with the diplomats from New Delhi and Beijing have yet to be announced, with Nepal's Ministry of Foreign Affairs working to make arrangements. However, to underscore that New Delhi and Beijing are equally important to Nepal, Shah is scheduled to meet Indian Ambassador Naveen Srivastava and Chinese Ambassador Zhang Maoming on the same day. Also Read: India’s EAM Jaishankar voices ‘strong concern’ over seafarer safety in talks with Russian FM Lavrov Shah not only avoided meetings with Nepal's neighbours but also turned down requests from the US Embassy in Kathmandu to meet US Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs Samir Paul Kapur and US President Donald Trump's special envoy for South and Central Asia, Sergio Gor. The move marked a departure from Nepal's traditional diplomatic engagement. In the past, newly elected prime ministers would meet foreign ambassadors individually at the Prime Minister's Office or their official residence within days of assuming office. The Nepali Prime Minister has also walked back on his policy of avoiding meetings with domestic stakeholders. He recently held engagements with members of the business community, including traders, contractors, industrialists and exporters. These decisions came after his government witnessed two rounds of protests in its first 100 days in office. One protest centred on the enforcement of customs duties at the Indo-Nepal border, while the other erupted after a ride-share driver's suicide sparked anger over police action.

Nepal Prime Minister Balen Shah, who had so far avoided one-on-one meetings with foreign envoys and preferred joint meetings with ambassadors, is now set to meet the Indian and Chinese ambassadors individually.

Balen Shah's diplomatic U-turn? Nepal PM to hold one-on-one meetings with India, China envoys

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s first address in Parliament on Sunday sparked a political debate after he remarked that Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory and that the border issue is not one-sided.&nbsp;Making his first appearance in Parliament since assuming office in March, Shah drew sharp reactions from lawmakers when he stated, “It may be surprising to you, but after becoming Prime Minister, I recently learned that not only has India encroached on Nepal’s territory, but Nepal has also encroached on some areas of India. As two friendly nations, we have decided to take this forward through diplomatic channels.”&nbsp;The remarks came in response to a question from an opposition lawmaker seeking answers on the government’s approach to longstanding border disputes with India.&nbsp;Opposition Shram Sanskriti Party MP Aren Rai questioned the government’s efforts to resolve the issue, particularly in areas that Nepal claims as part of its territory.&nbsp;Shah’s statement immediately triggered debate in Parliament, with opposition lawmakers accusing him of making “baseless” remarks. Critics questioned the basis of his claim and demanded clarification.&nbsp;Some stakeholders also criticised the remarks, arguing that it was irresponsible for a Prime Minister to make such assertions without publicly presenting evidence.&nbsp;In a separate question, CPN-UML lawmaker Padma Aryal raised concerns over India and China’s use of the Lipulekh route and the growing trade activity through the tri-junction region without consultation with Nepal.&nbsp;Responding to questions about the government’s efforts to address the matter, Shah revealed that Nepal is in diplomatic exchanges with India.&nbsp;“Regarding the Lipulekh issue, Nepal has officially conveyed its position to India through a diplomatic note and we have also received a response. In the exchange, both countries have agreed to resolve the issue by involving historians and border experts,” Shah told Parliament.&nbsp;The Prime Minister further raised eyebrows by disclosing that Nepal had also engaged the United Kingdom in the matter.&nbsp;“In this context, we have not only engaged with India and China but have also held discussions with the UK government. The problem of the border has continued since the time British India left the region so we believe the UK government should also pay attention to it,” Shah said.&nbsp;“All these issues require resolution through diplomatic efforts,” he added.&nbsp;The remarks have generated discussion in both Nepal and India, particularly Shah’s assertion that Nepal too may be occupying territory claimed by India and his disclosure that Kathmandu has raised the issue with the United Kingdom.&nbsp;The developments come ahead of Rastriya Swatantra Party Chair Rabi Lamichhane’s scheduled visit to India. Lamichhane is expected to travel to New Delhi on an invitation from the Bharatiya Janata Party on June 1 and is scheduled to hold meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other party leaders.

Shram Sanskriti Party MP Aren Rai questioned the government’s efforts to resolve the dispute, particularly in areas that Nepal claims as its territory. PM Balen Shah’s statement immediately triggered debate in Parliament, with opposition lawmakers accusing him of making “baseless” remarks.

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s first address in Parliament on Sunday sparked a political debate after he remarked that Nepal has also encroached on Indian territory and that the border issue is not one-sided. Making his first appearance in Parliament since assuming office in March, Shah drew sharp reactions from lawmakers when he stated, “It may be surprising to you, but after becoming Prime Minister, I recently learned that not only has India encroached on Nepal’s territory, but Nepal has also encroached on some areas of India. As two friendly nations, we have decided to take this forward through diplomatic channels.” The remarks came in response to a question from an opposition lawmaker seeking answers on the government’s approach to longstanding border disputes with India. Opposition Shram Sanskriti Party MP Aren Rai questioned the government’s efforts to resolve the issue, particularly in areas that Nepal claims as part of its territory. Shah’s statement immediately triggered debate in Parliament, with opposition lawmakers accusing him of making “baseless” remarks. Critics questioned the basis of his claim and demanded clarification. Some stakeholders also criticised the remarks, arguing that it was irresponsible for a Prime Minister to make such assertions without publicly presenting evidence. In a separate question, CPN-UML lawmaker Padma Aryal raised concerns over India and China’s use of the Lipulekh route and the growing trade activity through the tri-junction region without consultation with Nepal. Responding to questions about the government’s efforts to address the matter, Shah revealed that Nepal is in diplomatic exchanges with India. “Regarding the Lipulekh issue, Nepal has officially conveyed its position to India through a diplomatic note and we have also received a response. In the exchange, both countries have agreed to resolve the issue by involving historians and border experts,” Shah told Parliament. The Prime Minister further raised eyebrows by disclosing that Nepal had also engaged the United Kingdom in the matter. “In this context, we have not only engaged with India and China but have also held discussions with the UK government. The problem of the border has continued since the time British India left the region so we believe the UK government should also pay attention to it,” Shah said. “All these issues require resolution through diplomatic efforts,” he added. The remarks have generated discussion in both Nepal and India, particularly Shah’s assertion that Nepal too may be occupying territory claimed by India and his disclosure that Kathmandu has raised the issue with the United Kingdom. The developments come ahead of Rastriya Swatantra Party Chair Rabi Lamichhane’s scheduled visit to India. Lamichhane is expected to travel to New Delhi on an invitation from the Bharatiya Janata Party on June 1 and is scheduled to hold meetings with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other party leaders.

Shram Sanskriti Party MP Aren Rai questioned the government’s efforts to resolve the dispute, particularly in areas that Nepal claims as its territory. PM Balen Shah’s statement immediately triggered debate in Parliament, with opposition lawmakers accusing him of making “baseless” remarks.

Nepal PM’s first parliamentary address sparks debate on border issues with India

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra ‘Balen’ Shah said in the parliament on Sunday that both India and Nepal had encroached on each other’s territory, drawing strong protests from the opposition and renewing focus on the long-running Lipulekh-Kalapani border dispute.Shah, the Himalayan country’s youngest prime minister, was addressing Parliament for the first time since assuming office earlier this year.&nbsp;Shah acknowledged that the border dispute involving Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani remains a sore point in bilateral ties and struck a conciliatory note, saying both countries should seek the help of historians, surveyors and experts to resolve the issue.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/more-than-45-people-killed-in-blast-at-mining-explosives-warehouse-in-myanmar-rescuers-1780242466825">More than 45 people killed in blast at mining explosives warehouse in Myanmar: Rescuers</a>&nbsp;“You will be surprised to know a fact that I have learnt recently, only after becoming prime minister. India has not only encroached Nepali territory, but Nepal has also encroached Indian territory in many places,” the 35-year-old leader said.“Both countries should study the facts and sit together as friends and resolve the issue,” he added.He told lawmakers that Kathmandu has also taken up the matter with China and the United Kingdom, the latter due to its colonial legacy in the region.&nbsp;<h2>PM Shah’s remark triggers controversy in Nepal</h2>&nbsp;Shah’s remarks on Nepal encroaching Indian territory triggered a political controversy in Kathmandu, as opposition lawmakers, including Basana Thapa of the Nepali Congress and Ramesh Malla of the Nepali Communist Party, objected to his comment and demanded they be expunged from the parliamentary record. They said the PM should either provide evidence or withdraw his statement.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mamata-to-lead-protest-in-kolkata-on-june-2-against-attacks-on-abhishek-kalyan-banerjee-1780237783417">Mamata to lead protest in Kolkata on June 2 against attacks on Abhishek, Kalyan Banerjee</a>&nbsp;Buddhi Narayan Shrestha, who is a Nepal-India border expert, said Nepal has never encroached on Indian territory and added that in some regions, farmers from both sides have used each other’s land due to cross-border movement and missing boundary pillars.&nbsp;<h2>Nepal’s foreign ministry issues clarification</h2>&nbsp;Hours later, Nepal’s Foreign Ministry issued a clarification regarding statements made by Prime Minister Balen Shah on the border issue with India.&nbsp;&nbsp;A machine translation of the statement said, “Studies conducted by the technical committee have indicated that in some locations, land currently being used and occupied by Nepal may actually fall on the Indian side, while land currently being used and occupied by India may fall on the Nepali side. The Prime Minister’s statement in Parliament that “in some places, Indian land may be located on Nepal’s side” should be understood in the context of this technical reality and the issue of cross-border occupation.”&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/iran-likely-used-a-shoulder-fired-chinese-missile-to-shoot-down-us-fighter-jet-report-1780173318236">Iran likely used a shoulder-fired Chinese missile to shoot down US fighter jet: Report</a>&nbsp;“In accordance with the spirit and sentiment of the close relationship between Nepal and India, the Government of Nepal remains firmly committed to resolving border-related issues through diplomatic dialogue based on historical treaties, agreements, and maps,” it added.&nbsp;It reiterated that Nepal’s international boundary remains firmly guided by the 1816 Sugauli Treaty.&nbsp;<h2>Kailash Mansarovar Yatra announcement triggered row</h2>&nbsp;Earlier, Nepal had formally objected to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh and sent diplomatic protests to both India and China.“The Government of Nepal remains clear and firm that, as per the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani are integral parts of Nepal,” Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said.India rejected the objection, terming Nepal’s claims a “unilateral artificial enlargement” and “untenable”.&nbsp;Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/22-afghans-killed-36-injured-as-truck-carrying-refugees-returning-from-pakistan-crashes-in-afghanistan-1780160860194">22 Afghans killed, 36 injured as truck carrying refugees returning from Pakistan crashes in Afghanistan</a><h2>What is India-Nepal border dispute?</h2>&nbsp;India maintains that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani are part of Uttarakhand and has said the issue should be resolved through bilateral dialogue.The three locations lie near the tri-junction of India, China and Nepal.The earlier KP Sharma Oli-led government had escalated tensions by releasing a new political map showing all three territories as part of Nepal.India rejected the act and called it a “unilateral cartographic assertion”.

PM Balendra Shah’s remarks on Nepal encroaching Indian territory triggered a controversy, as opposition lawmakers, including Basana Thapa of the Nepali Congress and Ramesh Malla of the Nepali Communist Party, objected to them and demanded they be expunged from the parliamentary record.

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra ‘Balen’ Shah said in the parliament on Sunday that both India and Nepal had encroached on each other’s territory, drawing strong protests from the opposition and renewing focus on the long-running Lipulekh-Kalapani border dispute. Shah, the Himalayan country’s youngest prime minister, was addressing Parliament for the first time since assuming office earlier this year. Shah acknowledged that the border dispute involving Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani remains a sore point in bilateral ties and struck a conciliatory note, saying both countries should seek the help of historians, surveyors and experts to resolve the issue. Also Read: More than 45 people killed in blast at mining explosives warehouse in Myanmar: Rescuers “You will be surprised to know a fact that I have learnt recently, only after becoming prime minister. India has not only encroached Nepali territory, but Nepal has also encroached Indian territory in many places,” the 35-year-old leader said. “Both countries should study the facts and sit together as friends and resolve the issue,” he added. He told lawmakers that Kathmandu has also taken up the matter with China and the United Kingdom, the latter due to its colonial legacy in the region. PM Shah’s remark triggers controversy in Nepal Shah’s remarks on Nepal encroaching Indian territory triggered a political controversy in Kathmandu, as opposition lawmakers, including Basana Thapa of the Nepali Congress and Ramesh Malla of the Nepali Communist Party, objected to his comment and demanded they be expunged from the parliamentary record. They said the PM should either provide evidence or withdraw his statement. Also Read: Mamata to lead protest in Kolkata on June 2 against attacks on Abhishek, Kalyan Banerjee Buddhi Narayan Shrestha, who is a Nepal-India border expert, said Nepal has never encroached on Indian territory and added that in some regions, farmers from both sides have used each other’s land due to cross-border movement and missing boundary pillars. Nepal’s foreign ministry issues clarification Hours later, Nepal’s Foreign Ministry issued a clarification regarding statements made by Prime Minister Balen Shah on the border issue with India. A machine translation of the statement said, “Studies conducted by the technical committee have indicated that in some locations, land currently being used and occupied by Nepal may actually fall on the Indian side, while land currently being used and occupied by India may fall on the Nepali side. The Prime Minister’s statement in Parliament that “in some places, Indian land may be located on Nepal’s side” should be understood in the context of this technical reality and the issue of cross-border occupation.” Also Read: Iran likely used a shoulder-fired Chinese missile to shoot down US fighter jet: Report “In accordance with the spirit and sentiment of the close relationship between Nepal and India, the Government of Nepal remains firmly committed to resolving border-related issues through diplomatic dialogue based on historical treaties, agreements, and maps,” it added. It reiterated that Nepal’s international boundary remains firmly guided by the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. Kailash Mansarovar Yatra announcement triggered row Earlier, Nepal had formally objected to the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Lipulekh and sent diplomatic protests to both India and China. “The Government of Nepal remains clear and firm that, as per the 1816 Sugauli Treaty, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh and Kalapani are integral parts of Nepal,” Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs had said. India rejected the objection, terming Nepal’s claims a “unilateral artificial enlargement” and “untenable”. Also Read: 22 Afghans killed, 36 injured as truck carrying refugees returning from Pakistan crashes in Afghanistan What is India-Nepal border dispute? India maintains that Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura and Kalapani are part of Uttarakhand and has said the issue should be resolved through bilateral dialogue. The three locations lie near the tri-junction of India, China and Nepal. The earlier KP Sharma Oli-led government had escalated tensions by releasing a new political map showing all three territories as part of Nepal. India rejected the act and called it a “unilateral cartographic assertion”.

PM Balendra Shah’s remarks on Nepal encroaching Indian territory triggered a controversy, as opposition lawmakers, including Basana Thapa of the Nepali Congress and Ramesh Malla of the Nepali Communist Party, objected to them and demanded they be expunged from the parliamentary record.

PM Balendra Shah’s ‘Nepal encroached Indian territory too’ remark draws backlash; foreign ministry clarifies

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Sunday stated that the border dispute with India will be addressed through dialogue and diplomatic engagement. Shah also underscored the need for negotiations and peaceful discussions, and added that the boundary issue with India would be resolved through talks and diplomatic channels. Speaking in the Parliament of Nepal for the first time since coming to power after the March election, Shah noted that India had previously assured of remaining open to constructive talks with Nepal on all issues in the bilateral relationship. The talks also include resolving outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy.&nbsp;Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/what-happens-if-you-buy-a-nuclear-weapon-trump-claims-iran-agrees-not-to-develop-or-purchase-nuclear-weapons-1780218083754">‘What happens if you buy a nuclear weapon?’: Trump claims Iran agrees not to develop or purchase nuclear weapons</a><h3>Nepal’s Foreign Ministry on annual Kailash Manasarovar Yatra</h3>Responding to media questions about border-related claims made by Nepal’s Foreign Ministry in connection with the annual Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, Randeep Jaiswal said that India’s position on the matter has remained consistent and unambiguous. "Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra since 1954, and the Yatra through this route has been going on for decades. This is not a new development," he said. "As regards territorial claims, India has consistently maintained that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Such unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable," the Spokesperson added. In 2020, India had rejected the move of the KP Sharma Oli-led government, emphasising concerns over Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani and noted that the revised map issued includes parts of Indian territory. "This unilateral act is not based on historical facts and evidence. It is contrary to the bilateral understanding to resolve the outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue. Such artificial enlargement of territorial claims will not be accepted by India," the Ministry of External Affairs had said.&nbsp;

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah noted that India had previously assured of remaining open to constructive talks with Nepal on all issues in the bilateral relationship. The talks also include resolving outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy.

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah on Sunday stated that the border dispute with India will be addressed through dialogue and diplomatic engagement. Shah also underscored the need for negotiations and peaceful discussions, and added that the boundary issue with India would be resolved through talks and diplomatic channels. Speaking in the Parliament of Nepal for the first time since coming to power after the March election, Shah noted that India had previously assured of remaining open to constructive talks with Nepal on all issues in the bilateral relationship. The talks also include resolving outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy. Also read: ‘What happens if you buy a nuclear weapon?’: Trump claims Iran agrees not to develop or purchase nuclear weapons Nepal’s Foreign Ministry on annual Kailash Manasarovar Yatra Responding to media questions about border-related claims made by Nepal’s Foreign Ministry in connection with the annual Kailash Manasarovar Yatra, Randeep Jaiswal said that India’s position on the matter has remained consistent and unambiguous. "Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing route for the Kailash Manasarovar Yatra since 1954, and the Yatra through this route has been going on for decades. This is not a new development," he said. "As regards territorial claims, India has consistently maintained that such claims are neither justified nor based on historical facts and evidence. Such unilateral artificial enlargement of territorial claims is untenable," the Spokesperson added. In 2020, India had rejected the move of the KP Sharma Oli-led government, emphasising concerns over Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani and noted that the revised map issued includes parts of Indian territory. "This unilateral act is not based on historical facts and evidence. It is contrary to the bilateral understanding to resolve the outstanding boundary issues through diplomatic dialogue. Such artificial enlargement of territorial claims will not be accepted by India," the Ministry of External Affairs had said.

Nepal Prime Minister Balendra Shah noted that India had previously assured of remaining open to constructive talks with Nepal on all issues in the bilateral relationship. The talks also include resolving outstanding boundary issues through dialogue and diplomacy.

Nepal PM Balendra Shah backs dialogue, diplomatic efforts to resolve border dispute with India

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Nepal PM Balendra Shah backs dialogue to resolve border dispute with India