Shishir Khanal clarifies PM’s remarks on Nepal–India border issue

KATHMANDU: Parliamentary Affairs Minister Shishir Khanal has clarified remarks made by Prime Minister Balen Shah during the House of Representatives session held on Jestha 17, stating that the comments were related to the issue of “cross-border occupation” along the Nepal–India frontier.

Speaking in today’s meeting of the House after taking time from the Speaker, Minister Khanal explained that the government’s position is guided by the spirit of the close and friendly Nepal–India relationship.

He reaffirmed that all border-related issues would be resolved through diplomatic dialogue based on historical treaties and official maps.

He further noted that several areas along the open Nepal–India border have long experienced “cross-holding” situations, where local communities on both sides traditionally engage in cross-border farming and shared land use practices.

According to him, this context was part of what the Prime Minister intended to highlight while addressing the issue in Parliament.

Khanal also clarified that Nepal’s border demarcation is directly linked to the 1816 Sugauli Treaty.

He said the Prime Minister’s reference to the United Kingdom was made in that historical context, not as a call for any third-party mediation.

“We are not seeking third-party mediation in this matter,” Minister Khanal said, adding that any relevant historical references, if available, could be used as supportive materials in resolving outstanding border issues through diplomatic means.