PM Balen Shah Under Fire After Britain Distances Itself From India-Nepal Border Issue ...

Nepal’s efforts to gather international support over its long-standing border dispute with India have suffered a major setback after the United Kingdom declined to play any role in the matter. The development has created fresh political controversy in Nepal, putting Prime Minister Balen Shah under pressure both diplomatically and domestically. According to reports, the Nepal government had urged Britain to help resolve the border issue by referring to the historic Sugauli Treaty of 1816. The treaty, signed between Nepal and the British East India Company, laid the foundation for the modern boundary between Nepal and India. Prime Minister Balen Shah’s chief advisor, Kumar Byanjankar, recently met British Ambassador Rob Fenn in Kathmandu and argued that Britain should assist in finding a solution because it was a key party to the original agreement. However, the British government firmly rejected the request. Ambassador Rob Fenn reportedly stated that the border issue is a bilateral matter between India and Nepal and should be resolved directly by the two neighboring countries. Britain also made it clear that it has no intention of mediating or intervening in the dispute. The response is being viewed as a diplomatic setback for the Shah government. The border disagreement mainly revolves around the regions of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura. Nepal has long maintained that certain territories were unfairly allocated following the Sugauli Treaty and continues to claim these areas as part of its sovereign territory. The issue has periodically strained relations between the two countries. At the same time, Prime Minister Balen Shah is facing criticism at home following remarks made in Nepal’s House of Representatives. During a parliamentary session, he claimed that after assuming office he learned that Nepal had also occupied some land belonging to India. The statement triggered a political storm, with opposition communist parties accusing him of undermining national interests and demanding a public apology. As the controversy intensified, Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs distanced itself from the Prime Minister’s comments. The ministry clarified that while some Nepali farmers cultivate land across the border in certain areas, this should not be interpreted as Nepal occupying Indian territory. The combination of Britain’s refusal to get involved and the backlash over Shah’s comments has fueled political tensions in Nepal. The developments have raised questions about the government’s strategy on the border issue and added pressure on the Prime Minister as opposition parties continue to challenge his handling of the sensitive matter.