Nepal acknowledges border encroachment with India, mapping ongoing

Nepal’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs has acknowledged the existence of cross-border occupation and encroachment in some areas along the Nepal-India border. However, the ministry has not disclosed the number or specific names of these encroached locations, stating that mapping efforts are currently underway.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that it is committed to resolving border issues through diplomatic dialogue, based on historical treaties, agreements, and maps. This commitment was reiterated in response to a written question from Nepali Congress Member of Parliament Nishkal Rai in the federal parliament.The lack of specific information has created uncertainty for residents in border areas, especially in Madhesh Province, who already face various challenges due to the open border with India. Border disputes and encroachments directly impact trade at key checkpoints like Birgunj, hinder the construction of the Hulaki Highway, and affect the daily lives of local communities. For instance, residents in Chhapkaiya, Birgunj, have expressed concerns that 50 bighas of Nepali land have fallen on the Indian side of the border.Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Prakash Jwala stated on December 18, 2023, that the Indian Border Security Force (SSB) obstructed blacktopping work on the western section of the Hulaki Highway in the Belauri Pachui area of Kanchanpur. Such obstructions delay infrastructure development in the Tarai region.The open border also contributes to an increase in cross-border crimes, including terrorist activities, human trafficking, drug smuggling, kidnapping, goods smuggling, and the circulation of counterfeit Indian currency. Furthermore, the construction of dams and embankments by India in border areas has led to inundation problems in Nepal’s Tarai region.Historical context of border disputesThe international border between Nepal and India is primarily established and guided by the 1816 Sugauli Treaty. This treaty designated the Kali River as Nepal’s western boundary, but differing interpretations of the river’s origin have led to ongoing disputes. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs noted that mapping remains incomplete in areas such as Susta, Limpiyadhura, Lipulekh, and Kalapani. Beyond these, other instances of ‘cross-border occupation’ and no-man’s-land encroachment persist.The dispute intensified in 2019 when India included Nepali territories, including Kalapani, Lipulekh, and Limpiyadhura, in its map. In response, the Nepali government issued its own political and administrative map, encompassing Limpiyadhura, which was unanimously approved by parliament on June 13, 2020.Diplomatic efforts and future actionsDiplomatic initiatives have long been underway to resolve the border disputes between Nepal and India. The Nepal-India Boundary Working Group (BWG), formed in 2014, is responsible for border management, the construction and maintenance of border pillars, and technical demarcation work. According to the ministry, the BWG and other mechanisms are actively mapping the encroached areas.The seventh meeting of the BWG, held in New Delhi on July 28-29, 2025, resulted in an agreement to complete technical work related to the remaining border areas, excluding Kalapani and Susta, within three years. The use of unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) has also been approved for this task. A joint survey is planned to commence in September or October, following the monsoon season.The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reiterated the government’s commitment to resolving border issues through diplomatic dialogue, based on historical treaties, agreements, and maps.