India-Nepal Relations in a New Transition

Context: Nepal’s internal political fundamentals have often influenced India-Nepal relationships, which is further challenged by Chinese aggression, aiming to counter India’s conventional edge in South Asia at large.

India-Nepal relations:

• Favourable developments:
  • Combating covid-19: An early provision of vaccines to Nepal is being considered by India.
  • Infrastructural developments:
    • The Motihari-Amlekhganj petroleum pipeline (a discussion for further expansion to Chitwan) and a new pipeline on the eastern side connecting Siliguri to Jhapa in Nepal is under discussion.
    • First passenger railway line between India and Nepal from Jaynagar to Kurtha via Janakpur.
  • Promotion of trade and movement of people: to ease trade and transit.
    • Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) at Birgunj and Biratnagar were recently inaugurated and two more integrated check post at Nepalgunj and Bhairahwa will be developed.
  • Hydropower Energy cooperation: including the proposed Pancheshwar Multipurpose Project.
  • Cultural connect: India supports cultural heritage projects in Nepal like the Pashupatinath Riverfront Development and the Bhandarkhal Garden Restoration in Patan Durbar.
  • Nepal supports India’s permanent membership of an expanded UN Security Council (UNSC).
• Associated challenges:
  • Boundary disputes due to different interpretation of the international boundary line.
  • Internal politics and weakening of democracy in Nepal: The growing disenchantment over the increased centralisation of power, failure of the Provincial System in addressing the developmental issues, misuse of presidential authority and corruption.
  • China challenge: which aims to tempt Nepal with its geostrategic, economic and infrastructural drives.
  • Demand for ‘cultural monarchy’: by many to substitute the Presidential system and a re-establishment of certain traditional ways to governance.

Conclusion: Nepal cannot afford to enter in another round of political instability, and those who have commanding authority to spearhead India-Nepal bilateral relations must give a humane consideration to it.