During his inaugural address to the Nepalese parliament, Prime Minister Balen Shah asserted that Nepal controls parts of territory claimed by India, specifically referencing the Lipulekh and Lipiyadhura areas. He emphasized the need for diplomatic discussions to resolve the long-standing border dispute, which dates back to the British colonial era.

• 01Prime Minister Balen Shah stated that Nepal has controlled parts of territory claimed by India, revealing this knowledge only after taking office.
• 02The border dispute involves the Lipulekh and Lipiyadhura areas, which are significant for India-China trade routes.
• 03Historical context of the dispute traces back to the 1816 Treaty of Sugauli, which defined the India-Nepal boundary along the Mahakali River.
• 04Nepal's Foreign Ministry claims that these territories rightfully belong to Nepal, while India maintains that the Lipulekh Pass has been used traditionally for pilgrimage since 1954.
• 05The strategic region is crucial for monitoring the sensitive India-China border and has been a point of contention in diplomatic exchanges.

The border dispute could affect trade routes and pilgrimage access for Indian citizens traveling to Tibet, as well as diplomatic relations between India and Nepal.