INDIA - NEPAL RELATIONSHIP – INTERNATIONAL
News: A pragmatic approach, for better India-Nepal ties
What is in the news?
●
Recently, the Prime
Minister of Nepal, made his first bilateral visit to India since assuming
office in the current term.
Significance of India – Nepal relationship:
1. Strategic importance:
●
Nepal shares its borders with India's
northern states, making it strategically significant for India's security and
defense.
2. Regional stability:
●
The two countries have
enjoyed strong cultural, economic, and political ties since ancient times, and
maintaining friendly relations with Nepal is crucial for India's regional stability.
3. Economic ties:
●
A stable and cooperative
relationship with Nepal is essential for ensuring smooth trade and economic
cooperation.
●
India
is Nepal's largest trading partner, and Nepal heavily
relies on India for its imports and exports.
●
India
provides access to sea ports for Nepal's landlocked economy,
which facilitates the movement of goods to and from the country.
4. Countering China’s dominance:
●
Cordial relationship with
Nepal is necessary to prevent it from entering into the policy of string of
pearls.
●
China’s
string of pearl policy is a major security threat for India.
5. Border surveillance:
●
Both India and Nepal
cooperate on security matters, including border management, intelligence
sharing, and joint efforts to combat cross-border
crimes and illegal activities.
6. Water resources:
●
Water-sharing agreements and
cooperation between the two countries are vital for managing water resources
effectively.
●
India
is heavily investing in hydro power projects in Nepal.
7. Support for influence:
●
Close relations with
Nepal help India to exercise influence in SAARC and BIMSTEC forums as Nepal is
the member in these two forums.
Issues between India and Nepal:
1. Border Disputes:
●
India and Nepal have had
historical disputes over the demarcation of their shared border. One of the
major points of contention was the Kalapani-Limpiyadhura-Lipulekh area in
the Himalayas.
●
Both countries laid claim
to this territory, leading to tensions and differences in perception over the
boundary.
2. China factor:
●
Nepal's growing
engagement with China has been a matter of concern for India. China has been
investing in infrastructure projects in Nepal, and both countries have
conducted joint military exercises.
●
India has viewed this
development with caution, as it might have implications for its security
interests in the region.
3. Political instability:
●
Nepal’s frequent
political instability, characterized by changes in government and power-sharing
arrangements, creates challenges in maintaining a consistent and stable
relationship with India.
4. India’s big brother attitude:
●
Reports of Indian
meddling in Nepali politics and a perceived “Big Brother” behavior have at
times strained relations and created negative perceptions among Nepali parties
and politicians.
5. Economic disparities:
●
India’s ability to invest
in Nepal may be limited compared to China, leading to economic disparities.
●
Bridging these gaps and
ensuring equitable economic cooperation can be a challenge in the
relationship.
WAY FORWARD:
1. Resolving territorial dispute:
●
The dispute shall be
negotiated diplomatically under the aegis of International law on
Trans-boundary Water Disputes.
●
In this case, boundary
dispute resolution between India and Bangladesh should serve as a model for
this.
2. Increasing Indian investment:
●
China’s large investment
is the main reason for Nepal to lean towards China.
●
India should increase its
investment in Nepal in sun rising sectors and also Nepal has to give its
support to the Bilateral Investment Promotion and Protection Agreement (BIPPA).
3. Increase strategic engagement:
●
India should actively
seek strategic partnerships with Nepal on regional and global platforms.
●
By aligning their
interests and jointly addressing common challenges, such as climate change,
disaster management, and regional security, both countries can demonstrate
their commitment to shared values and interests.
4. Focus on long-term interests:
●
Both India and Nepal
should focus on the long-term interests and benefits associated with their
relations. Building a strong and sustainable partnership based on mutual trust,
shared prosperity, and common aspirations will pave the way for a brighter
future for both nations.