DHANWATI YADAV
India’s foreign policy is taking a new turn and the significance of the neighbourhood. In this backdrop, a peaceful Nepal is of India’s sustainable interest. New Delhi’s foreign policy embraces multiple factors, influence, determinants, mechanism and interest. It is for this purpose that policies and political behaviour of the neighbouring country are critical to serving the futuristic objectives of India.
Nepal is of paramount importance for India. In the backdrop of the erstwhile Government of KP Sharma Oli’s disillusionment with India and its forging of trade and transit agreement with Beijing, a fresh start by new Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is commendable. China is leaving no stone unturned to replace India’s nearness with its regional as well as global partners. The formative and existing stances vividly unfold the intention of China to establish its clout globally, overtaking India in all spheres. China’s historic collaboration with Pakistan has itself been a threatening sign for India’s security. Subsequently, the evolving friendly attitude of China towards Nepal is repeatedly jeopardizing India’s interest by seeking to drive a wedge between India and Nepal.
Nepal is of paramount importance for India. In the backdrop of the erstwhile Government of KP Sharma Oli’s disillusionment with India and its forging of trade and transit agreement with Beijing, a fresh start by new Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal ‘Prachanda’ is commendable. China is leaving no stone unturned to replace India’s nearness with its regional as well as global partners.
Since 1981, the volume of contracted projects of China in Nepal has only grown, reaching $0.72 billion by the end of 2002, and turnover touching US$ 0.62 billion. There is no dichotomy in rising proximity between Nepal and China in the economic sphere, considering their trade volume. This should make India sit up and take notice. To further deepen its ties with Nepal, in October 2005, China pledged military assistance as well of $989,000 to Nepal. The assistance was given to curb Maoist insurgents in Nepal, while subsequently India, the US and the UK had suspended military assistance.
Till 1950, China was relatively least interested in Nepal. But China’s gradual effort to erase Nepal’s dependency on India has opened a new chapter of relative concern for India. Introducing the China-Nepal railway link and China’s helping hand towards Nepal through a variety of means, are not comfortable signs for India.
China’s assistance through economic cooperation or any other form to its older partners or the new ones, reflects its self-centric approach to register its global presence and enhance its influence. If China’s paces of influence will continue unabated, it can be a cause of grave concern for India in the near future.
Prachanda’s remark that Nepal enjoys a unique relation with India, whether it is in the economic, trade or cultural front, reveals Nepal’s due interest in strengthening age-old mutual ties benefitting both sides. Hence India and Nepal have to actively strategise their objectives to secure their historic ties and collectively work to further consolidate it.
There are some strong determinants that define India’s policy towards Nepal. First, the geographical mapping of Nepal shapes it as a landlocked country sandwiched between India and China. Second, the reach to Nepal is easier from India geographically. Third, the India and Nepal enjoy great cultural affinity. The parameters of bilateral ties of India and Nepal are defined in the context of two key treaties: The Treaty of Peace and Friendship and the Treaty of Trade and Commerce signed in 1950. In the 1970s, Nepal was noticed as a vanguard with a fundamentally new approach to its foreign policy, with the idea that it would be a ‘zone of peace’.
This was opposed by India, which asserted that entire South Asia should be declared as ‘zone of peace’. Today, Nepal is surrounded with its own fragile pacification and disturbed political scenario. Kathmandu needs to consider India’s ceaseless endeavours to establish and maintain peace in the region.
Pragmatically, the nature of leadership to an extreme extent can shape the relations of two countries. The Narendra Modi Government’s positive attitude towards its neighbours and Prachanda’s old-yet-new interest in India can yield a more productive outcome as compared to previous records. Through imbibing a blunt approach, India requires to understand the developmental priorities of Nepal to reassure the neighbour of its reciprocal interest.
There are multiple spheres before India and Nepal today to be explored and worked over bilaterally. There is capacity-building, economic cooperation, socio-cultural matters, academics, health, tourism etc. There are of course vital issues that need to be addressed collectively, such as concerning the social security of Indian citizens with Nepalese origin and Nepalese people working in India. An evolution in the relationship would expectedly introduce numerous reforms and bring pasting peace in the entire region.
India should pay enormous heed to building strong ties with its regional partners. Apart from this, it should also make efforts to take regional as well as global partners into confidence, as this would secure India’s long-term interests, and allot India a substantial place and a strong voice to tackle global issues efficiently.