KATHMANDU: In an unprecedented statement to parliament on Sunday, Prime Minister Balendra (Balen) Shah claimed that border encroachment has occurred from both sides of the Nepal-India border, asserting that Nepal has also encroached upon Indian territory.

“It might surprise you to hear this—I also found out recently. It is not just India; Nepal has also encroached upon Indian land,” Prime Minister Shah said during a question-and-answer session in the House of Representatives, without specifying the exact locations. “We will sit down for table talks and discuss the mutual encroachment of land.”

Turning to established border disputes, the Prime Minister confirmed that New Delhi has replied to Nepal’s diplomatic notes regarding the Lipulekh and Limpiyadhura commercial route.