Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah announced on Sunday that his government intends to involve the United Kingdom in ongoing discussions regarding border disputes. Addressing Parliament for the first time since taking office, Shah emphasized that the disagreement over the Lipulekh Pass should be resolved through diplomatic channels.
The Prime Minister stated that the matter has been raised with both China and the United Kingdom. “We have spoken not only with India and China but also with the UK government. Our view is that the UK should also take an interest, as the issue dates back to the period when British India left the region,” Shah said.
Beyond his territorial claims against India, Shah acknowledged that the situation is complex. He noted that since becoming Prime Minister, he learned that encroachment is not one-sided. “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,” he added, reiterating his commitment to addressing these issues with New Delhi through dialogue.
Did You Know?
The Lipulekh Pass has served as a route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra since 1954, and the territory is claimed by Nepal based on the Sugauli Treaty of 1816.
Context of the Border Dispute
The Lipulekh Pass has been a long-standing point of contention. The dispute intensified in 2020 when Nepal issued a political map depicting the territories of Limpiyadhura, Kalapani, and Lipulekh as part of its own, an act India condemned as unilateral.
Tensions flared again in August 2025 when Nepal objected to the resumption of trade through the pass. The location serves as a critical strategic trade route for India and China, as well as a pilgrimage path.
Expert Insight:
By inviting the United Kingdom into the diplomatic fold, the current administration is attempting to leverage historical ties to internationalize a bilateral dispute. However, the path forward remains difficult, as India continues to maintain that Nepal’s territorial claims are neither justified nor supported by historical facts.
Future Implications
Diplomatic dialogue is the stated path for resolution; however, the involvement of third-party nations like the UK could shift the nature of the negotiations. India will continue to reject these claims, maintaining that the status of the pass is settled and consistent with decades of usage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the United Kingdom being involved in the dispute?
Prime Minister Shah believes the UK should take an interest because the border issue originates from the period when British India left the region.
What is India’s stance on the claims made by Nepal?
India has rejected the claims, with Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randeep Jaiswal stating that the territorial claims are neither justified nor based on historical evidence.
What is the significance of the Lipulekh Pass?
The pass is a key strategic trade route between India and China and a long-standing route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra.
Do you believe that involving third-party nations in regional border disputes helps or hinders the diplomatic process?