Ties between India and Nepal are in sharp focus this week when Prime Minister Pushpa Kamal Dahal is on a four-day official visit to New Delhi, marked by interactions with top leaders. Better known as Prachanda (the fierce), the Maoist Communist leader has been tamed considerably after he assumed political power – three times as Prime Minister — the first two for less than a year each and he’s currently in the seat for the past six months. This testifies to the instability that marks the initial years of democracy in what was a kingdom till 2008; a situation compounded undeniably by meddling from China with ulterior motives. Notably, Dahal, born to Hindu Brahmin parents, maintained reasonably good relations with India while his predecessor KP Sharma Oli often played into the Chinese hands. The politics in Nepal is guided understandably by local sentiments and caution against India with which it has an open border — and more strongly against China too now.
The long rule of Nepal by King Birendra till his assassination in a palace coup in 2001 had been marked by excellent relations between India and Nepal. Strains developed later. The scenario worsened for a period when the Modi government objected to Nepal having re-designated itself from being a Hindu nation to a Secular entity through a constitution amendment in 2015. The Madhesi protests involving Indian settlers in the plains there added to the strain.
China is keen on getting Nepal into its fold in a strategic geopolitical push against India. However, many factors bind India and Nepal together, unlike China. Dahal has come to Delhi with a specific agenda to boost bilateral ties. Among the many subjects that he raised is Nepal’s desire to market hydel energy to Bangladesh through India – which could fetch Nepal huge revenue. Nepal is already selling hydel power to India and using Indian ports for its trade with the outside world, including its shipments to and from China. Dahal is also seeking to broad-base the rail and aviation links between the two countries. In a significant step coinciding with Dahal’s visit to India, Nepal amended its citizenship law that would hereafter give instant citizenship and political rights to foreigners who married Nepalese women. This is done by brushing aside the pressure from China to retain the curbs. China’s warning to Nepal was that it could lead to more “involvement” of Indians and others in Nepal’s political affairs. It would be in the best interests of both India and Nepal if the two nations strengthen their fraternal ties and are more helpful towards each other.
