The Prime Minister’s Statement: Intent or Folly?

# Muna Chand

Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s remark in the House of Representatives on Sunday—that “Nepal has also encroached upon India’s border”—has raised an uncomfortable question in Nepali politics and diplomacy. This statement has come to light at a time when Rastriya Swatantra Party President Rabi Lamichhane is preparing for a visit to India and US Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy Sarah B. Rogers is on a visit to Nepal. At the confluence of these two developments, the Prime Minister’s remark has given birth to a new geopolitical debate.

Under Secretary Rogers addressed the Ascent Summit 2026 held in Kathmandu on the very same Sunday. In a joint appearance with Sumnima Udas, Chair of Parliament’s International Relations Committee, she emphasized the ties between the United States and Nepal through entrepreneurship and innovation. The summit, attended by more than 1,400 climbers, explorers, and tourism entrepreneurs, stressed the expansion of cooperation between Nepal’s mountaineering heritage and American technology.

At this very time, Prime Minister Shah stood up in Parliament and stated that Nepal had encroached upon India’s border. Was this statement spontaneous or premeditated? The question naturally arises as to whether it was intended to divert attention from potential new developments in Nepal-US relations. However, judging by the Prime Minister’s personal style, the assessment that this was an unprepared statement rather than a calculated one is equally strong.

The historical fact is well established before the world that Nepal lost a vast territory through the Treaty of Sugauli following the Anglo-Nepal War (1814–16). Under the treaty, Nepal was compelled to cede more than 80,000 square kilometers of land to the British. The territory extending from the Teesta in the east to Kangra in the west and up to the Ganga-Gomti and Allahabad in the south belonged to Nepal at that time. Areas including Darjeeling, Meghalaya, Kalimpong, Siliguri, Kurseong, Kangra, Kumaon, Garhwal, Mussoorie, Motihari, Sitamarhi, and Siwan are under Indian control today. Even after that, border experts claim that India has encroached upon thousands of square kilometers of Nepali land. Susta, Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura are fresh examples of this.

Against this historical backdrop, the Prime Minister’s assertion that Nepal has encroached upon India’s border raises two questions. First, if this is true, he must disclose with evidence which places have been encroached upon. Second, if Nepal has indeed encroached upon Indian land, the Prime Minister must immediately take the initiative to return that land.

On both these questions, the Prime Minister remains silent. To date, no responsible person in India has ever claimed that Nepal has encroached upon India’s border. On the contrary, debate has been ongoing both within and outside Nepal on how India has encroached upon Nepal’s border. Even leaders, prime ministers, or ministers who have been labeled as ‘Indian brokers’ have never made such a statement. Therefore, the Prime Minister’s remark cannot be taken lightly.

This statement by Prime Minister Shah could have a long-term impact on Nepal’s national stance and diplomatic position. For the Prime Minister of Nepal to state from the rostrum of Parliament something that India itself has never formally said weakens Nepal’s negotiating capacity. It could create a situation in the future where India makes further claims over Nepal.

It is also relevant to note that the lack of preparation evident in the Prime Minister’s first parliamentary address has raised questions about his leadership capacity. Considering that Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda,’ who has become Prime Minister three times, himself admitted to not understanding parliamentary practice in his first term, Prime Minister Shah’s statement could be taken as folly. However, on a matter as sensitive as national sovereignty and border security, the excuse of folly cannot be acceptable.

The Prime Minister’s statement has set an adverse precedent in Nepal’s diplomatic history. There is no historical or legal basis for the claim that Nepal has encroached upon India’s border. Whether this statement was premeditated or unprepared, it has certainly harmed Nepal’s national interest. The head of government must immediately address Parliament or the nation to correct his statement and make it clear that Nepal has not and will not encroach upon the land of any neighbor. Otherwise, this statement will undoubtedly cause long-term damage to Nepal’s national stance.