Nepal and India Join Forces to Resolve Long-Standing Border Dispute

Efforts to Settle the Boundary Dispute

Kathmandu: On Sunday, Prime Minister Balendra Shah of Nepal announced that Kathmandu and New Delhi have reached an agreement to enlist the assistance of historians, surveyors, and experts to address a protracted boundary dispute.

The contention revolves around the territories of Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura, which both nations claim. These areas are situated near the trijunction of India, Tibet, and Nepal. India asserts that these regions belong to Uttarakhand and advocates for resolving the matter through bilateral discussions.

In response to inquiries regarding the disputed territories, Shah informed the parliament that the Nepalese government has formally issued a diplomatic note to India, highlighting concerns over territorial encroachments, including Lipulekh. He confirmed that a response from India has already been received.

Shah emphasized that both nations have agreed to collaboratively resolve the issue with the aid of historians, surveyors, and relevant experts through diplomatic channels.

He also pointed out that encroachments have occurred on both sides, stating that Nepal has similarly encroached on Indian land in various locations.

Shah revealed an intriguing fact he learned after assuming office as Prime Minister, urging both countries to examine the facts and engage in friendly discussions to find a resolution.

Additionally, he mentioned that Nepal has engaged in diplomatic talks regarding the dispute with China and the UK, noting that the origins of the conflict trace back to the British withdrawal from the region in 1947.