Amid renewed discussions over the India–Nepal border dispute, Nepal’s Prime Minister Balendra Shah has clarified that Kathmandu has not sought any mediation from Britain to resolve the ongoing territorial disagreement with India.

Speaking at the first general convention of the ruling Rastriya Swatantra Party in Chitwan, PM Shah said that Nepal has never requested external mediation and remains committed to resolving the matter through dialogue with India.

‘No Request for Mediation,’ Says PM Shah

Shah stated that Nepal’s position was misinterpreted in earlier discussions, emphasizing that the government only referred to presenting historical evidence from the British colonial period, not seeking Britain’s intervention.

He said:

“We did not seek their mediation. We only said that if evidence from the British era is needed, we will present it.”

His remarks come after controversy surrounding comments made in Parliament by Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal, who had suggested that a Joint Working Group (JWG) would address cross-border issues between Nepal and India.

India Rejects Third-Party Involvement

India has consistently rejected any third-party role in the border dispute, maintaining that issues must be resolved bilaterally.

Earlier statements from Nepal referencing external involvement, including Britain and China, had sparked diplomatic concern, prompting clarification from Kathmandu.

Long-Standing Border Dispute

India and Nepal have ongoing differences over territorial claims in areas such as:

• Lipulekh

• Limpiyadhura

• Kalapani

India maintains that these regions are part of Uttarakhand and should be resolved through bilateral negotiations. Nepal, meanwhile, has claimed historical and administrative evidence supporting its position.

‘Issue to Be Resolved Through Dialogue’

PM Shah reiterated that Nepal remains open to talks with India and urged people not to misinterpret his statements.

He added that there is no need for concern, stressing that the dispute would be handled through diplomatic engagement.

Background of the Dispute

The border issue has periodically resurfaced over the years, often leading to diplomatic exchanges between the two countries. While both sides assert their claims, they continue to maintain official channels for dialogue.

Looking Ahead

Despite political sensitivities, both India and Nepal have repeatedly stated that they prefer a peaceful, bilateral resolution to border concerns, even as differing historical interpretations continue to fuel debate.