SSB Lecturette series: India Nepal Relations 2018

India and Nepal both countries having friendly relationship with each other. India has supported Nepal economically and socially whether it is any natural calamity or any assistance. There is no requirement of visa if anyone wants to enter Nepal and also so many nepali nationals are working in Indian army.

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Besides of all these relations b/w these two countries are not good in these days. There is anti India sentiment that is growing day by day and the political parties are taking the advantage of it.

Recently PM KP Sharma Oli visited china and this was his first visit to china after taking the oath of PM .His party enjoys the two third majorities in parliament and also has Govt in 6 out of 7 provinces. This visit was significant because so many deals were signed between two leaders.

The major deals are:

1. China will develop the hydropower projects; establish highland food parks in Nepal

2. A agreement signed between Investment board of government of Nepal and huaxin cement narayani pvt ltd under the Chinese firm has pledged RS 14.4 million of FDI to generate 3,000 metric tons of cement per day.

3. MOU signed to prepare a detailed feasibility study on eastern tarai irrigation system in the biring kamala and kanai rivers

4.  An agreement has been signed for the construction of 40.27 MW siuri naydi hydropower plant project

5. Rail network between two counties through the Himalayas through Tibet to Kathmandu

These were the major highlights  of the MOU that was signed between two countries.

But the growing friendship between china and Nepal is a cause of concern for India, because this condition has arrived after the India Nepal blockade which was imposed on Indian side after the announcement of new constitution by Nepal. Due to blockade the supply of necessary goods was stopped which shocked Nepal and motivated it to look for the better alternatives because during this time Nepal was also recovering from the 2015 earthquake. Nepal has historically India locked rather than being land locked .

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India recognize the challenge it faces in keeping its ties with Nepal on track. Although PM Modi visited Nepal to rebuild its image .He pledged 1 billion Indian rupees in aid to develop janakpur city and also inaugurated the Ramayana circuit .but there are so many issues that need to be resolved .Modi and oli had intensive discussion on these points such as minimizing Nepal trade deficit, the exchange of demonetized notes held by Nepal citizens, resolving border disputes and flooding issue.   Strong willpower at the top political level of both countries should be instrumental in solving the pending issues. The settlement of those issues will decide the future of India Nepal relations.                                                                                                                                                         

As, Chinese growing presence in Nepal is a reality that India can do little about it. there is no point bemoaning Chinese presence .Instead India should be providing alternative narratives for India Nepal ties, one takes into account longstanding people to people ties and cultural connect even as new Delhi commitment for sustainable partnership between two nations. Oli has repeatedly indicated that he wants to maintain a balance between India and china. New Delhi should not give him any reason for tilt that tilts the balance in favor of Beijing.

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What do you as the youth of India think on this situation? Share your views here in comments and let the discussion flow. Keep reading SSB Vision for latest updates.

About the Author: Deepak Manhas is from Pathankot Punjab. Presently working in automobile industry as an Engineer. His aim is to join armed forces and nowdays preparing for it with full enthusiasm and confidence