Nepal
- share unique bilateral relationsihp rooted in open borders, historical ties, cultural affinity
- roti beti relationship
- strong trade dependence
Areas of cooperation
- largest trade partner of nepal - 64% in 2022-23
- historical, religious links
- SAARC, BIMSTEC members
- shared hindu buddhist heritage
- enables Nepal sea access via ports
- joint military exercise: Surya Kiran, Gorkha regiments, equipment & training support
- Hydropower & water: joint project under 2008 bilateral mechanism
- nepal rivers crucial to ganga basin
Issues
| Issue | details |
|---|
| border | strict monitoring affects cash flow & movement |
| project delays | trust deficit hampers implementation |
| domestic politics | media narratives, populist rhetoric, violent incidents increase tensions |
| Trust deficit | post 2015 blockade |
| chinese influence | military ties w/ china |
China intrusion
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| elevated ties | upgraded to Strategic Partnership |
| security treaties | legal cooperation, discussions on extradition treaties |
| himalayan quadrilateral | nepal china coordination w/ Pak , Afghan |
| Military drills | PLA - Nepal army joint drills 2017-18; funding since 2019 |
| BRI | trans himalayan connectivity network - rail, road, power |
| India’s concern | |
- security: infra eg Pokhra airport close to indian border
- strategic influence: BRI aligned political shift
- Debt diplomacy: loss of india’s economic leverage
Territorial disputes
- History:
- Treaty of Sugauli 1816: set Kali river as boundary
- 1950: open border, free movement formalised
- Dispute: kali river origin
- India: Kalapani
- Nepal: Limpiyadhura
- Disputed regions
- Kalpani Lipulekh Limpiyadhura: dispute over origin: Nepal amended map in 2020 to claim the area
- Susta: gandak river changing course caused land ownership disputes
- Joint mechanism: border committees
- Strategic position
- Nepal: claims historical records & post 1962 temporary occupation by india
- India: disputed areas part of Indian territory since Sugauli treaty
Way forward
- revisit 1950 tearty: mutual revision to regulate border movement, sovereignty concern
- avoid big brother approach
- timely project delivery
- transit & connectivity: inland waterways
- limic micro management: respect nepal sovereignty
- close border loopholes to protect from terror networks
- proactive, respectful dislomatic engagement