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Major Setback for Nepal PM Balen Shah; Britain Rejects Mediation Request
Nagpur/Kathmandu (June 1, 2026): Britain has categorically rejected Nepali Prime Minister Balen Shah's request to mediate in the border dispute between India and Nepal. This development has dealt a major political blow to Balen Shah.
Citing the Treaty of Sugauli (1816), Balen Shah had met with British Ambassador Rob Fenn to request mediation. However, Britain clarified that this is an entirely bilateral issue and that it would not intervene in the matter.
Nepal's Chief Advisor, Kumar Byanjankar, argued to the British Ambassador that Britain is a party to the Treaty of Sugauli—signed during the era of the East India Company—and should therefore take the initiative. However, the British Ambassador declined, reiterating that this is a bilateral affair.
Meanwhile, Balen Shah is facing immense domestic pressure over the border dispute. The opposition has even accused him of treason following a controversial statement he made while speaking in Parliament on Sunday. Balen Shah had stated, "It was only after I became Prime Minister that I realized Nepal, too, has encroached upon some Indian territory." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was subsequently compelled to issue a clarification regarding this statement.
Britain's refusal has further exacerbated Balen Shah's precarious position.
Nagpur/Kathmandu (June 1, 2026): Britain has categorically rejected Nepali Prime Minister Balen Shah's request to mediate in the border dispute between India and Nepal. This development has dealt a major political blow to Balen Shah.
Citing the Treaty of Sugauli (1816), Balen Shah had met with British Ambassador Rob Fenn to request mediation. However, Britain clarified that this is an entirely bilateral issue and that it would not intervene in the matter.
Nepal's Chief Advisor, Kumar Byanjankar, argued to the British Ambassador that Britain is a party to the Treaty of Sugauli—signed during the era of the East India Company—and should therefore take the initiative. However, the British Ambassador declined, reiterating that this is a bilateral affair.
Meanwhile, Balen Shah is facing immense domestic pressure over the border dispute. The opposition has even accused him of treason following a controversial statement he made while speaking in Parliament on Sunday. Balen Shah had stated, "It was only after I became Prime Minister that I realized Nepal, too, has encroached upon some Indian territory." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was subsequently compelled to issue a clarification regarding this statement.
Britain's refusal has further exacerbated Balen Shah's precarious position.
Citing the Treaty of Sugauli (1816), Balen Shah had met with British Ambassador Rob Fenn to request mediation. However, Britain clarified that this is an entirely bilateral issue and that it would not intervene in the matter.
Nepal's Chief Advisor, Kumar Byanjankar, argued to the British Ambassador that Britain is a party to the Treaty of Sugauli—signed during the era of the East India Company—and should therefore take the initiative. However, the British Ambassador declined, reiterating that this is a bilateral affair.
Meanwhile, Balen Shah is facing immense domestic pressure over the border dispute. The opposition has even accused him of treason following a controversial statement he made while speaking in Parliament on Sunday. Balen Shah had stated, "It was only after I became Prime Minister that I realized Nepal, too, has encroached upon some Indian territory." The Ministry of Foreign Affairs was subsequently compelled to issue a clarification regarding this statement.
Britain's refusal has further exacerbated Balen Shah's precarious position.
