Question

Discuss the new reality of India-Nepal relations in the context of strengthening ties between Nepal and China. What steps India should take to maintain a positive relationship with Nepal?

Answer 1

Approach:

• Start with basic principles of India Nepal relation
• Mention some areas of cooperation
• What are the Challenges in India Nepal relations
• Discuss China factor in India and Nepal relations
• Measures needed to be taken by India

India Nepal relations:
The relation between India and Nepal was founded on the age-old connection of history, culture, tradition and religion; these relations are close, comprehensive and multidimensional and are pronounced more in political, social, cultural, religious and economic engagement with each other. It was based on the principles of peaceful coexistence, sovereign equality, and understanding of each other’s aspirations and sensitivities.

Areas of cooperation:
India and Nepal have open borders which allow free flow of people and goods between the two countries. Some of the major areas of cooperation are

• Development of infrastructure projects
• Water resource management
• Transport corridors like BBIN
• Security and border management
• Multilateral and regional fora like SAARC and BIMSTEC
• Disaster management and humanitarian aid
• Bilateral industrial investments
• Tourism and cultural development

Challenges in India Nepal relations
Internal Security is a major concern for India; Indo-Nepal border is virtually open and lightly policed which is exploited by terrorist outfits and insurgent groups from North Eastern part of India eg. supply of trained cadres, fake Indian currency.

Overtime trust deficit has widened between India-Nepal because of the Indian reputation for delaying implementation of various projects.

Nepal over the years has witnessed chronic political instability, including a 10-year violent insurgency, damaging Nepal’s development and economy.

The recent political tussle over the Nepal constitution and economic blockade strained the India-Nepal relations.

There is anti-India feeling among certain ethnic groups in Nepal which emanates from the perception that India indulges too much in Nepal and tinkers with their political sovereignty.

The establishment of diplomatic relations between Nepal and China and its growing influence in Nepal has resulted in declining traditional leverage of India in Nepal.

China factor in India and Nepal relations:
Nepal is strategically located between India in the south and China in the north. Though Nepal’s relation with India is much closer than China, the economic prospects from China gaining more importance.

Nepal shows a policy departure by balancing between India and China for its progress. The projects like Trans-Himalayan railway by China was warmly welcomed by Nepal. Nepal also acceded to the Belt and Road Initiative of China. The economic feasibility of these projects of connecting Nepal to Chinese ports remains uncertain. For China engaging with Nepal gives it additional access point to South Asia.

Measures needed to be taken by India:
The prospects of easing the bilateral relations depend on India’s overall capacity to challenge China and political will to address its own controversial approaches towards Nepal. In practical terms, India is not in a suitable position to challenge the economic might of China. Some of the steps that India can take to maintain positive relations with Nepal are

• Respecting the Sovereignty of Nepal
• Timely completion of the infrastructure projects
• Non-reciprocal attitude towards Nepal
• Development of strong people to people relations through cultural projects
• Accepting the Chinese factor and cooperating with the reality

Conclusion:
India has to stick to the principles of non-interference and peaceful co-existence are respected and a high level of political engagement with Nepal. The recent initiatives like the development of Buddhist tourist circuit and 2+1 approach of the relation between India and China with Nepal is the right step in the direction. Thus the role of China in Nepal has become a reality, for a positive relation India has to cooperative rather confrontation which causes more harm than good.