Possibility of Obtaining Boundary Dispute Documents from the UK
May 10, Kathmandu – Following Prime Minister Balendra Shah’s statement on May 1 regarding the Nepal-India border dispute, the main opposition party obstructed parliament sessions in protest. Another notable aspect of the Prime Minister’s remarks involved the potential involvement of a third party in the boundary dispute. During responses to questions raised in the House of Representatives, he mentioned ongoing discussions with the United Kingdom regarding the Nepal-India border issue.
However, Foreign Minister Shishir Khanal clarified the matter during a press conference at the Nepal Embassy in New Delhi. “We need historical evidence and wish to access certain documents that may exist in UK libraries or museums. But this does not mean we are seeking mediation; that is not the Prime Minister’s intention,” said Khanal.
International affairs expert Prabhakar Sharma viewed the Foreign Minister’s comments as a positive indication. He noted that the UK has well preserved and digitized historical documents, including the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. Accordingly, access to these documents by Nepal could shed light on the border dispute.
Former Foreign Minister NP Saud also regarded efforts to engage with the UK for document access as a correct step. Given that various versions of the Sugauli Treaty are preserved in the British Library, gathering factual information will be more manageable. Saud added, “This diplomatic effort is merely an initial phase in collecting facts and evidence; the likelihood of discovering new information is low.”
The absence of further explanation from the Prime Minister in parliament has caused confusion, according to Sharma. He stated that the Foreign Minister’s clarification reduced this confusion and elicited a positive response towards the new government’s approach. Saud suggested the clarification might have been intended to ‘dilute’ the original statement by Khanal. They agreed that other personalities and institutions should play a role in clarifying the Prime Minister’s stance.
Minister Khanal emphasized that relations with neighboring countries should not be fixated on a single issue. “The Nepal-India relationship should be viewed not only as a problem but also as an opportunity for cooperation,” he said. Sharma advised focusing not only on border issues but also enhancing economic diplomacy. He recommended advancing economic cooperation opportunities within a diplomatic framework.
Saud noted that past economic diplomacy initiatives were not disregarded and stated that the current government has continued this approach. He said that while asserting Nepal’s position on the border dispute, economic considerations have also been taken into account. “The Foreign Minister’s remarks are not new but reflect continuity with past practices,” Saud explained. He further stressed that Nepal’s national interests must advance through not only public presentation but also diplomatic negotiations and institutional efforts. However, he acknowledged, “Currently, diplomatic negotiations and institutional processes are weak.”