Kathmandu: The government has defended Prime Minister Balendra Shah over his recent remarks in Parliament regarding the Nepal-India border issue, saying his comments were misunderstood and taken out of context.

Speaking after Tuesday’s Cabinet meeting, government spokesperson and Education Minister Sasmit Pokharel said the Prime Minister’s statement expressing surprise over reports that Nepal had allegedly encroached on Indian territory was being misinterpreted.

“He said he was surprised after hearing from Delhi that Nepal had occupied Indian territory,” Pokharel said, noting that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs had already issued an official clarification on the matter.

Pokharel said Nepal and India already have established mechanisms in place to address longstanding border disputes and that both countries have been engaged in diplomatic efforts to resolve outstanding issues.

“There are existing committees working on border-related matters. The Prime Minister has also spoken about this,” he said. “Nepal and India have exchanged diplomatic notes regarding boundary concerns.”

The minister also highlighted the complexity of unresolved border demarcation, noting that some areas currently used by one country could legally fall within the territory of the other.

However, he did not specify which locations were mentioned in communications from India regarding alleged border encroachment.

“The Prime Minister was simply expressing surprise at such reports. He remains accountable to Parliament and will address the House when necessary,” Pokharel said.

He stressed that border issues should be resolved through diplomatic dialogue rather than confrontation and reiterated that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs is actively handling the matter through diplomatic channels.

According to Pokharel, there is consensus within the government that all border-related disputes should be settled through talks and mutual understanding between Nepal and India.